Majorca
Because of “beach deaths”: fewer sunbeds at Ballermann in future
At Ballermann, the beach is becoming increasingly crowded, and not only because of the increasing number of visitors. (Photo archive) Photo
© Clara Margais/dpa
The beaches on Mallorca – like elsewhere – are getting smaller and smaller. The town hall in Palma is reacting and announcing measures.
Because of the phenomenon of “beach death”, it is said that There will be fewer sun loungers and parasols available for rent in Mallorca in the future. The municipality of Palma, which also includes the seaside resort of S’Arenal with the so-called Ballermann, is planning a corresponding reduction on the five beaches in its area from next summer.
Tourists and locals complain about “overcrowding” of the beaches
The decline in sandy areas has led to overcrowding, which is being criticized by tourists and locals, city councilor Mercedes Celeste was quoted as saying by the regional newspaper “Diario de Mallorca” and the Spanish radio station “Cadena Ser”.
The current licenses for landlords were drawn up decades ago, at a time when the beaches in Palma were larger, stressed the politician who is responsible for the interior and finances in Palma, among other things, and is also the spokesperson for the town hall. “We have a completely different coastline today than we did 10, 20 or 30 years ago,” she said. There is simply “less sand than before.”
According to Celeste, the town hall is already working on new tenders “based on the current coastline”. In cooperation with other authorities and institutions, they will not only solve the problem of overcrowding, but also resolve other problems. Among other things, they want to build better beach access.
Construction frenzy and climate change in the spotlight
The “beach death” has been observed for decades – and not only on Mallorca. The beaches are also disappearing in other coastal areas such as California and Florida, Turkey, Brazil and the Gold Coast in Australia. Experts believe that one reason for this is that coasts have been built up right up to the beach. Dunes that protect against erosion by wind and sea often no longer exist.
One factor, according to experts, is climate change. Under the conditions of climate change and rising sea levels, “half of the world’s sandy beaches could have disappeared by the end of the century,” according to a study presented in the journal “Nature Climate Change.”