Ibizan protesters take a stand against ‘harmful or illegal’ tourism on the island
Ibizan protesters are earnestly trying to take back their island from inconsiderate hedonists. The ‘harmful or illegal’ tourism being referred to chips away at their quality of life, they say. The need for a movement of Ibizan protesters, demonstrates the level of grossness that can build up on an island that is world famous for partying.
The thing is, that too many people who live there it is simply called home. The residents of Ibiza have just about had enough of the excessive tourism and the grime it brings. The protests are being organised by Prou!, a campaign group formed a few weeks ago on Facebook.
Around two hundred people gathered to announce “peaceful and silent” protests addressing “harmful or illegal tourism activities”. This includes the privatisation of the coast, noise, and illegal performance venues which turn hotels, boats and country houses into nightclubs.
The Party Island
Ibiza has evolved into a free for all, non-stop party venue while realistically this sort of lifestyle is neither healthy nor sustainable. It is not unreasonable for the Ibizan protesters to take a stand and stick up for their home, in fact it is quite important for its longevity.
Neus Escandell, a historian, teacher and editor who attended the gathering said, “tourism must serve to improve the quality of life, not to make it worse.”
The group has organised itself into several subsections to address the issues and prepare for the summer of 2017.
The Ibizan protesters are not alone in wanting to clean up the island. Noise issues have also been addressed this year by citizens and the police. Ibiza Rocks’ license was suspended last month for failing to comply. Council members in the San Antonio region of the island voted and unanimously passed legislation in the late summer banning the construction of new beach clubs and outdoor hotel venues.
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