THIS is the moment 10,000 people formed a massive human chain in Mallorca as they demonstrated against mass tourism on the island.

Protesters stood shoulder to shoulder along the shore of Es Trenc, a nature reserve in southern Mallorca, holding placards reading: ‘Hands off’ and ‘A Magaluf in the south of the island – that’s what they want.’

The rally on Sunday, organised by three activist groups, followed plans by the Balearic government to pass legislation which environmentalists say would make it easier to build developments in natural areas.

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Gob Mallorca, Terraferida and Menys Turisme Mes Vida said the proposed law would endanger reserves such as Es Trenc because new developments would require approval only from the government, rather than parliament.

Dani Comas, a spokesperson for Menys Turisme Mes Vida, said: “We had 10,000 people come out yesterday.

“It was a historic demonstration. Never before had such a long human chain been formed so far from [Mallorca’s] capital, Palma.”

Organisers said the human chain stretched for more than three kilometres from the Club Nautic de sa Rapita to Ses Covetes.

They also warned the new laws could make it easier to permit beach bars, car parks, tourist facilities and other developments across the nature reserve.

The Balearic government, however, insists Es Trenc’s protected status will not be weakened.

The demonstration formed part of the wider ‘Mallorca al Limit’ campaign, which calls for tighter limits on tourism growth and greater protection for the island’s natural landscapes.

In June, Menys Turisme Mes Vida announced an anti-tourism march through Palma on July 26.

Earlier that month, five international estate agencies were vandalised in a co-ordinated overnight attack.

Vandals smashed windows, sabotaged door locks and daubed walls with graffiti in the inland town of Santa Maria del Cami.

READ MORE: Mallorca anti-tourism protestors to ‘collapse’ island

The anti-tourism movement has been fuelled by claims that Mallorca has become a ‘theme park’, where it is increasingly impossible for young people to live independently or find affordable housing.

Activists, including Menys Turisme Mes Vida, blame soaring rents and property prices on the island’s status as one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.

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