Calpe’s wetlands at risk

CALPE’S saltwater lake had been promised protection from Spain’s central government. Now Madrid had failed to purchase land in private hands when faced with a compensation bill which was expected to be more than €80 million, according to claims by the environmental pressure group, ACEC.

There is already a 100 metres ‘no build’ zone immediately adjacent to the lake which offers  protection but if building takes place just beyond this boundary the possibility exists that the fragile eco structure of the wetlands would be damaged. For this reason the purchase of land by central government is essential, says ACEC.

ACEC state that rare species of wildlife are threatened by apparent plans to develop the surrounding area, It is thought that the proposed development includes a luxury hotel, a health centre and a public park. ACEC believe this project would be disastrous for the wetlands.

The environmental pressure group states that the group which owns Calpe’s Diamante Beach Hotel intends to build a hotel four times larger than the existing structure, whilst the Town Hall has ceded land for a proposed new health centre.

They state that if these projects go ahead nesting sites would be disturbed as will a very fragile eco-system. ACEC are campaigning for the expansion of protection to the entire wetlands lake area.

By Paul Deed