The Govern allocates 288 million euros for coastal protection, water resources, and maritime transpo

Yesterday, November 14th, the Ministry of the Sea and the Water Cycle presented a historic budget for 2025 to the Parliament of the Balearic Islands, with an unprecedented allocation of 135 million euros from the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS) for water cycle management.

This amount, which represents an increase of more than 216% compared to the ITS funds allocated in 2023, will allow the Govern to execute a wide range of projects to strengthen the islands' water infrastructure, ensure the sustainability of water resources, and protect the natural environment from the effects of climate change.

During the presentation, Minister Juan Manuel Lafuente highlighted the importance of this ITS allocation to transform water management in the islands and build resilient infrastructures. "This budget is not just a figure; it is a declaration of intent and a real commitment of this Govern to the future of the Balearic Islands. Water and the sea are vital resources, and with this historic support, we are in a position to promote structural changes that strengthen our capacity to adapt to the climate crisis," he stated.

Thanks to this ITS contribution, the total funds specifically allocated to the water cycle for 2025 amount to 288 million euros, complemented by the Investment Fund for the Water Cycle and an additional 5 million euros from the Insularity Factor. This allocation will be distributed across a series of strategic areas ranging from the improvement of sanitation and purification to the reuse of regenerated water and the protection of the public hydraulic domain. "We have designed a comprehensive plan that not only addresses current needs but also anticipates future challenges. Every euro invested in water resources is an investment in the quality of life of our citizens and in the sustainability of our economic model," Lafuente emphasized.

Regarding coastal protection, the budget includes a significant boost to the General Directorate of Coasts and Littoral, which will receive 2.3 million euros, an increase of 16.53% compared to the previous year, to carry out comprehensive management of the Balearic coast. Among the main actions planned is the implementation of the new Law on Planning and Comprehensive Management of the Littoral of the Balearic Islands, which establishes a framework for sustainable protection and conservation of the coasts.

Lafuente highlighted the relevance of this legislation, which is expected to come into effect in early 2025, and which will allow for balanced and respectful use of the coasts. "The coast is a natural and cultural heritage that we must protect. With this law, we ensure that our coasts remain sustainable and accessible," the minister indicated. The General Directorate will also strengthen its technical and administrative staff to improve the supervision of concessions in the maritime-terrestrial public domain. Additionally, work is underway on a registry of traditional structures, such as vorera huts, to ensure their conservation as cultural heritage.

The General Directorate of Ports and Maritime Transport has a budget of 21 million euros to improve connectivity and port infrastructures in 2025. Of the allocation, 36.5 million euros correspond to the public company Ports IB, while 6.8 million euros come from the Sustainable Tourism Tax for the biennium 2025-2026, which will be allocated to two main initiatives:

• Surveillance and control of nautical activity (3.58 million euros): This project aims to reinforce the supervision and control of activities at sea, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental protection regulations in the archipelago's waters. 
• Deployment of vessels for the prevention and cleaning of bathing waters (3.23 million euros): This program aims to improve the quality of bathing waters on beaches and coves with high tourist influx. 

In addition to the services financed by the ITS, Ports IB will invest 15.1 million euros in a series of improvement and rehabilitation works in strategic ports, with the aim of modernizing facilities, improving safety, and optimizing infrastructure functionality. Among the main actions are the rehabilitation of the varadero huts in Portocolom, the construction of a multipurpose building in Cala Rajada, the repair of pontoons in the port of Pollença, the rehabilitation of the Colàrsega bridge in Ciutadella, or the implementation of a cold ironing system in its outer port, which will allow docked ships to connect to the electrical grid instead of keeping their engines running, significantly reducing emissions and noise in the port.

For 2025, the budget of the General Directorate also includes an allocation of 15 million euros for the system of discounts for maritime transport of residents, facilitating discounts on inter-island trips and improving the accessibility of maritime transport services between islands.