Facebook protest fights to save virgin Spanish beach

December 18, 2009  •  Andalucia, Cadiz, Environment  •  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

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