Moment 10k protesters form human chain to ‘save’ Majorca beach from tourists | World | News
This is when 10,000 angry locals formed a massive human chain along the Mallorca coast in a desperate stand against mass tourism. Protesters stood shoulder to shoulder along the pristine shores of Es Trenc, a protected nature reserve in the south of the island, holding signs that read “Hands off” and “A Magaluf in the south of the island – that’s what they want.”
Magaluf is notoriously called the party capital of Europe; During the chaotic summer months, more than two million sun seekers and rowdy clubbers fill the area. Desperate locals fear the south coast will be swallowed by the same unmanageable crowds, cheap drinking culture and long strip of concrete hotels. The dramatic rally on Sunday 5 July was sparked by the Balearic Government’s controversial new plans. Environmentalists claimed that the proposed law would pave the way for uncontrolled development in the island’s most beautiful natural areas.
The mass protest was organized by three activist groups: GOB Mallorca, Terraferida and Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life). They warn that new laws will allow new developments to bypass parliament and require only government approval, putting vulnerable reserves like Es Trenc at great risk.
Dani Comas, spokesman for Menys Turisme Mes Vida, hailed the turnout as an unprecedented success: “10,000 people came out yesterday. It was a historic demonstration. Never before has such a long human chain formed this far from Palma.”
Organizers confirmed that the massive human chain stretched more than 1.8 miles (3 km) from Club Nautic de sa Rapita to Ses Covetes.
Activists are sounding the alarm that this gap could lead to a wave of new beach bars, car parks and tourist facilities cutting across the nature reserve. However, the Balearic Government responded by insisting that Es Trenc’s protected status would not be weakened.
The beach protest is part of the wider “Mallorca al Limit” (Mallorca on its Border) campaign, which calls for strict limits on tourism growth and urgent protection of the island’s environment.
The tension has already turned into direct action. Last month, five international real estate agencies were targeted in the inland town of Santa Maria del Cami in a coordinated overnight vandalism attack that saw windows smashed, locks sabotaged and walls covered in graffiti.
The violent anti-tourism movement is fueled by growing anger over Majorca being turned into a “theme park” for foreigners. Local activists attribute rising rents and skyrocketing property prices to the island’s popularity as a resort destination, making it completely impossible for young locals to find affordable housing or live independently.
