Facebook protest fights to save virgin Spanish beach

December 18, 2009  •  Andalucia, Cadiz  •  4 Comments

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A MASS protest has been called to oppose the passing of a plan that would see one of Andalucia’s last virgin beaches destroyed.

The demonstration on Monday (December 21) will coincide with a crucial vote at Vejer de la Frontera town hall which is likely to pass the plans for two luxury hotels at El Palmar.

Hand in hand with an internet campaign, which already has over 20,000 signatures, the protest will oppose the plan to build the 700-unit ‘macroproject’ right beside the beach.

Using social networking site Facebook, and a viral email campaign, the protesters hope to force the authorities to rethink the scheme.

Deemed “entirely unsustainable” and a “major destruction of one of Andalucia’s last virgin beaches”, it is perhaps surprising that both the PSOE and PP parties have united to push through the scheme.

Claiming it is necessary to create 300 jobs for the region, the development by Chival Promociones envisages the three and four star hotels opening by 2012.

Its owner Juan Munoz has already invested money in a number of other developments in the area in Rota, Sotogrande and Jerez.

While a large part of the area has been protected thanks to the IU party that runs neighbouring Conil town hall, the Vejer part of the beach area is open for development.

Curiously the project, that is being backed by Cajasol bank, was apparently shelved earlier this year when the company Riera Marsa pulled out of an agreement.

The beach, which is enjoyed by thousands of nature lovers for its laid back vibe and undeveloped status, is one of the last few developed in Cadiz province.

Lola Yllescas, of green group Ecologistas en Accion, said: “This will destroy one of the last undeveloped nature spots in Andalucia. It is a disgrace.”

For more information and to log your opposition visit http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=210537655718

Reader Comments »

Pedro Cabral

December 19th, 2009 2:15 pm

Please join everyone to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128615384981&index=1 virtual manifestation against the destroy of this amazingly beautiful beach. You don’t have to go anywhere or do anything else than join to this event and tick in attending. Please spread this all around. Thank you very much for your support.

Lisa Espezel

December 19th, 2009 5:57 pm

I live in El Palmar and it is absolutely fantastic simply because of the fact it is so unspoilt. Just happened to have logged on to the olive press and this is the first I have heard of it. Obviously I want to be at the protest and will let friends know.

Paul

December 23rd, 2009 10:07 pm

The only thing that “I” find surprising in this report is that the reporter him or herself is “surprised” that PSOE and PP have gone hand in glove because it suits them both and joined together to push something through which may NOT otherwise have got through. What’s the surprise in that? In this Province or Community or whatever the new “buzz” word is of Spain, where many Andaluces would seemingly steal your eyeballs if you stood still long enough and where there’s hardly a Town that hasn’t been effected and had either its Mayor,Planning Officer,Chief of Police,Bank Manager or the whole quartet “lifted” for corruption,fraud,misappropriation of funds,planning and licensing irregularities,etc this behaviour from Councillors of ANY so-called Parliamentary Party is par for the course!!

Peter J Howlett

February 17th, 2010 6:48 pm

I am with you on this it would be a crying shame to destroy the fantastic landscape and beach area for hotels — build them inland and keep them small and low – maximum 2-3 story the beach can be kept clear.

KEEP ALL THE BEACHES CLEAR you will regret it in a few years if you don’t !!!

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