The GOB warns of the increase in the spread of illegal activities in natural spaces of Mallorca on social networks

PalmThe Balearic Ornithology and Nature Defense Group has reported an increase in the dissemination on social networks of unauthorized activities in protected natural areas of Mallorca, a practice it considers growing and which, it warns, puts conservation of the environment at risk and fosters a sense of impunity.

The environmental organization points out that these behaviors are occurring in areas such as the Serra de Tramuntana Natural Area, s'Albufera de Mallorca Natural Park, and the Península de Llevant Natural Park, and that in some cases videos recorded with drones without authorization have been disseminated.

According to the GOB, the images have been published on Instagram by two users, one of whom is professionally dedicated to audiovisual production with drones, and the other is a web portal linked to tourism promotion. The organization recalls that this type of activity is highly regulated and requires administrative authorization, especially to avoid disturbing wildlife and impacting ecosystems. The facts have already been reported to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment.

Social networks, a pressure factor

The GOB warns that the dissemination of these practices can not only constitute administrative infractions, but also contributes to normalizing illegal behaviors and can incentivize their repetition. “The message conveyed is that prohibited activities can be carried out in protected areas and published without consequences”, warns the entity. According to environmentalists, this dynamic fuels a “dangerous perception of impunity” that aggravates the problem.

References from other territories

The GOB points out that other regions have already begun to act in similar situations. This is the case of Tenerife, where a specific unit has been created to detect and report content on social networks that shows illegal activities in natural spaces. This experience, according to the entity, responds to the need to adapt surveillance mechanisms to a context in which social networks play a key role both in the promotion and detection of infractions.

Demand for a specialized unit

In this regard, the GOB calls on the Government to create a specific unit of Environmental Agents dedicated to monitoring social networks, detecting illegal activities, opening sanctioning files, and acting preventively. The entity considers that, without this reinforcement, the problem will continue to grow and the idea that "anything goes to gain visibility on the internet, even in protected areas" will be consolidated.

The GOB concludes that protected natural areas cannot become settings for viral content and argues that their preservation requires strict compliance with regulations and greater control capacity. "Without action, not only is the environment harmed, but the credibility of the management of protected areas is also weakened," warns the organization.