Open letter to Rosario Sánchez
Dear Ms. Rosario Sánchez Grau, Secretary of State for Tourism,
Our dealings with you have always been constructive and beneficial for the Islands. Your efforts to highlight our archipelagic identity and address the demographic challenge have been admirable. It is a shame that changes in government interrupt strategic lines of action that should have unanimous political consensus for the future of the Balearic Islands.
The achievement of securing the processing, before the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), of the request to the IMO to declare the Balearic Sea a Particularly Sensitive Marine Area (PSMA). This international legal framework is key to defining our maritime context and establishing protection measures for the sustainable management of the coastline.
The Canary Islands already activated a similar measure in 2005, following the disaster of the PrestigeAware of the risk the Atlantic oil corridor posed to their tourism industry, the Canary Islands' Special Maritime Zone (SMSZ), with a two-decade head start, has been the cornerstone of their maritime strategy. They subsequently developed the Canary Islands Water Law and incorporated it into their Statute of Autonomy, where the sea defines the archipelago. Furthermore, to protect themselves from the expansion of Morocco's Exclusive Economic Zone, they applied (2024) to the UN for the benefits of an Archipelago State, with Madrid's approval. We Balearic Islanders enjoy the resident discount thanks to the Canary Islanders. Now we should demand the same benefits to avoid unfair treatment. The question is: will there be a Balearic initiative of this caliber? You, along with Councilor Miquel Mir, secured a commitment from Minister Teresa Ribera, who announced on May 10, 2023, that the State would process the declaration of the SMS; All that remained was to establish the bilateral State-Government of the Balearic Islands (GOIB) commission to define the protection measures associated with the Special Marine Environment Zone (SMEZ). This milestone, the result of two years of intensive work between regional ministries, the Mallorcan Business Circle, and experts, was interrupted by the change in political direction in the Islands. As president of the Marine Council (CMN), I discussed the situation with President Prohens, who referred me to the Minister of the Sea, Mr. Lafuente. After our meeting, there has been no reaction whatsoever. The SMEZ of the Balearic Sea remains forgotten. These events arise from a publication by your party colleagues regarding proposals from the Marilles Foundation for the Balearic marine environment, which makes us reflect on the seriousness of the situation. In recent years, foundations with foreign capital have proliferated in the Balearic Islands. This is no coincidence. Financial speculators have identified the Canary Islands as a lucrative field for environmental operations, anticipating regulations stemming from UN and EU climate action. They aren't engaging in philanthropy; they may be whitewashing their image, but above all, they seek to attract public funds. They have professionalized their structures, analyzed the market, acquired local knowledge at bargain prices, and hired former politicians and activists. They invest heavily in media attention to achieve 'hegemonic' status. These foundations also look down on local action, which is incorruptible and works for the good of the country. Unlike them, genuine land-based organizations have as their sole objective the long-term preservation of the islands. We don't make a living from this; rather, we contribute our knowledge and heritage to bequeath our environment in the best possible condition to future generations. This gives us integrity, legitimacy, and independence.
The Marilles Foundation previously dismissed the Balearic Sea's Special Marine Ecosystem Zone (SMEZ), and now the protection measures it proposes are merely associated measures that this designation can encompass. However, the State recognized its value and international significance. The SMEZ is the instrument that can accommodate the various proposals put forward. The agreement with the State for its processing is pending the bilateral commission with the Government of the Balearic Islands (GOIB) to define the associated protection measures.
Now is not the time to be distracted! Let's get to work for the benefit of these Balearic Islands!
