Senator for Ibiza and Formentera, Neus Massanet, has called on the Formentera Island Council and the Balearic Government to improve planning and coordination to prevent a repeat of the problems surrounding beach concessions and seasonal services on the island this summer.
Massanet made the remarks after meeting on Monday with María José Mayans, president of the Association of People Affected by the Formentera Coastal Demarcation, to discuss both the situation of properties affected by coastal boundary decisions and the controversy surrounding this summer’s beach facilities.
According to the senator, the situation has exposed a “serious lack of planning and coordination in the management of Formentera’s coastline.”
“It is difficult to understand how a situation that has been known about for months can reach the height of the tourist season without being resolved, and for the Balearic Government’s final response to be the dismissal of the director general for Coastal Affairs,” Massanet said.
“Changing one person does not solve the underlying problems or repair the damage that has already been caused,” she added.
Massanet argues that the Balearic Government, as the authority responsible for coastal management, must explain how the situation arose and what measures will be introduced to prevent similar problems in the future.
In her view, if there were legal or technical concerns regarding the beach concessions awarded by the Formentera Island Council, these should have been identified and resolved well before the start of the summer season.
“It is not acceptable to reach May with companies having hired staff, arranged accommodation for their workers and taken on financial commitments without knowing for certain under what conditions they will be able to operate,” she said.
Massanet also calls on Formentera Council to accept its share of responsibility
The senator also believes that the Formentera Island Council must accept its share of responsibility and do more to anticipate potential problems.
“The Council is the administration closest to the people and the one that knows the reality of our beaches best,” Massanet said.
“Its responsibility cannot be limited to filing appeals once a problem has emerged. It must plan ahead, anticipate difficulties and coordinate with the Balearic Government so that decisions are made before the season begins.”
Massanet stressed that her criticism does not amount to defending a particular number of sun loungers or challenging environmental restrictions designed to protect the coastline.
“If a beach has lost sand or its environmental situation requires a reduction in occupancy, then obviously that must be done,” she said.
“But protecting the coastline is one thing and managing it too late and badly is another. Formentera needs strong environmental standards, but it also needs forward planning, legal certainty and an administration that works effectively.”
Coastal boundary disputes also discussed
The meeting also addressed the situation of people affected by coastal boundary demarcations in Formentera. Massanet said there is a need to establish a legal framework that can protect the island’s coastline without creating legal uncertainty or undermining the legitimate rights of affected property owners.
The senator believes that coastal management policies must take the specific characteristics of each territory into account, combining technical criteria with legal certainty and dialogue with those affected.
Massanet has told the association that she is willing to examine its demands and explore possible courses of action at national government level, particularly in relation to Spain’s Coastal Law and regulations and the responsibilities that remain under the authority of the central government.
