Green light for campsite in Cabo Cope Calnegri Protected Area

The General Directorate of Environment approved the establishment of Campsite within the protected area of ​​Cabo Cope Park and Puntas de Calnegre Regional Park. The project, which will have a capacity of 318 seats, must make an effort to preserve the environment in the last part of the Levante coast that has not yet changed. An area at risk located 2,000 meters from important biodiversity conservation areas, next to the Marina di Cope coastal plain.

“It will not have a major impact on the environment.”This is what the report states, which summarizes that the “El Sombrerico” campsite will have 318 places, distributed over 109 plots of land, 102 of which will be for caravans and 6 for cabins. The facilities, which will occupy more than 23,500 square meters, will be equipped for temporary occupation for holidays or for tourism purposes. The project plot will include 12,716.55 square meters for caravans, 2,000 square meters for sports areas, and 1,000 square meters for parking. And other spaces allocated for construction and services, thus completing the facilities.

In order for the project to be sustainable and respectful of the environment, a set of conditions have been put in place that allow the existence of this tourist facility, allowing it to develop within a protected natural area. First of all, Any construction carried out on the camp site must respect the architectural harmony of the environment.This means that noisy structures will be allowed and that noble materials, such as stone, white mortar and ceramics, must be used for roofs. In addition, wooden posts and fishing fences that allow for the passage of local animals should be used.

Another condition is Protecting the Maghreb TortoiseIt is a threatened animal found in the area and special attention should be paid to it. Likewise, the area signage will highlight that it is a protected environment with important biodiversity. The vegetation and gardening in the campsite and surrounding areas should consist of native wild plant species, encouraging revegetation with native plants.

finally, The importance of the educational aspect is highlighted. The campsite should offer activities and resources that promote conservation and sustainability, and raise awareness among visitors about the importance of protecting biodiversity and the environment in this vulnerable environment.

These measures, which have been positively appreciated by environmentalists, ensure that the new tourism project not only respects the environment, but goes further, effectively contributing to the conservation and education of local biodiversity.

The initiative has received positive reports from several entities, including the Hydrographic Consortium of Segura (CHS); the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage; the Natural Environment; those of Highways; Citizen Security and Emergencies; those of Territory and Architecture; and the City Council of Águilas, among others.

To ensure environmental protection, Business Owner, El Sombrerico Viejo, SLshall appoint a person responsible for the monitoring and proper operation of facilities aimed at avoiding or correcting environmental damage. This person shall prepare periodic information or documents.

Environmentalists at work advocate for protection of 'jewel among gems'

Ruben Vives, Member Environmental scientists at workHe stressed that this project must go beyond being a mere economic activity and truly become an environmental conservation project, with the idea that “the essence of one of the most valuable spaces that the territory of Murcia has is not lost”, describing it as “a jewel among jewels”. He also denounced that the Calnegre and Cabo Cob Regional Park, a protected area since 1992, does not have an approved management plan, nor an established management board, ensuring that they “let it die for 30 years because the autonomous community does not do it”. “I do not want that park.” “I have proven it a thousand times.” “There is a management board that was created, but it has never met.

Also, the Natural Resources Management Plan should have been approved in 1993, and we have been going on for 30 years without a plan. The same thing happens with the Natura Network Management Plan, which was supposed to be approved six years ago, and there is still no draft, which is what the European Union is asking for. To put the cherry on top of the criticism, Vives stressed that these spaces are often transformed into recreational parks, making the essential work of protecting biodiversity difficult.

In the same way, he confirmed that The environment surrounding what will become the camp site is “completely destroyed.”That's why it's important to adhere to the measures proposed by the environment. “Ultimately, people love natural spaces. We love pristine spaces, beautiful places that bring together all the tourists, users, visitors. What happens? This is where everything is concentrated and then all the pressures increase as well.”