The Minister of the Sea warns about the risks of unregulated nautical tourism

Juan Manuel Lafuente, Minister of the Sea and Water Cycle of the Govern de les Illes Balears, is participating in the International Forum 'Risorsa Mare' in Palermo, an event that is consolidating as a key space for the exchange of ideas and the search for shared solutions regarding the future of European seas.

During his speech, Lafuente emphasized the importance of international collaboration in managing the Mediterranean, acknowledging that challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. “The Mediterranean is a sea without borders, and the problems affecting it are shared by all the territories along its coasts,” he stated. With these words, the minister underscored that local initiatives, while necessary, are insufficient without a global vision that coordinates efforts across the entire Mediterranean coastline.

Lafuente called on the European Union to strengthen its leadership in creating and implementing a common policy that effectively protects the Mediterranean. "Investments and efforts to reduce pollution or mitigate the impact of plastics are of little use if harmful practices continue elsewhere," highlighted the minister, who insisted that only a joint and strengthened strategy can guarantee the preservation of marine ecosystems and promote sustainable long-term development.

In his speech, Lafuente also addressed some of the main challenges facing the Balearic Islands, challenges that are shared with other insular regions of Italy. Among them, he highlighted coastal management, a critical issue for insular territories due to the pressure that mass tourism exerts on the coasts. With over 1,400 km of coastline, the Balearics have implemented measures to protect their ecosystems, such as regulating anchoring in sensitive areas and protecting oceanic posidonia meadows, but he warned that this is not enough without a collective effort.

The minister also spoke about maritime connectivity, pointing out that the islands depend on maritime transport for their supplies and to sustain their tourism economy. "We need Europe to recognize the particularities of insular territories and create a framework that compensates for the extra costs arising from insularity," he stated, highlighting the importance of modernizing fleets and opting for less polluting fuels to reduce environmental impact.

One of the most dynamic sectors in the Balearics is nautical tourism, which, while representing an important source of income, also poses significant challenges. Lafuente emphasized the need to regulate this type of tourism to avoid the saturation of coastlines and the proliferation of illegal charters operating without adequate controls. "We must be careful that nautical tourism does not become a threat to our environment," he asserted, highlighting the importance of effective oversight.

The International Forum "Risorsa Mare" brings together institutions, businesses, and experts from the maritime sector across Europe with the aim of sharing experiences and finding common solutions to the problems facing the Mediterranean. "This forum is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and move towards more responsible and sustainable management of our seas," Lafuente declared at the end of his remarks.

The event, which features the participation of prominent players in the maritime sector and is sponsored by the Italian government, addresses essential topics such as the perception of the sea, marine ecosystems, the sustainability of the nautical industry, fishing and maritime tourism, and environmental protection.