The Association of Residents of es Fornàs has collected 1,416 signatures in just a week to express their opposition to the opening of the quarry of s’Espartar, in an area classified as of community importance and protected under figures such as the Natura 2000 Area and Natural Areas of Special Interest. According to Pedro Juan, secretary of the group, this initiative arose after an assembly held on November 15 and will continue until the general rejection of the exploitation of this area is made clear. The neighbors point out that they have been facing for 30 years the attempts of various companies to activate this quarry, and recall that already in 2017 they filed allegations against the project. However, they claim to be unaware of the current status of the proceedings, since neither the Balearic Government nor the mayor of Sant Antoni, Marcos Serra, have provided them with information about the possible granting of the operating license. The Association stresses that there are multiple technical and environmental reasons to reject this activity, recalling that in the past the project received “categorically unfavorable” environmental reports. In addition, they point out that the promoter company is trying to justify the quarry as a continuation of the Cas Capità quarry, despite the fact that they are physically separate units.
A setback for the neighbors of es Fornàs
Last October 17, the neighbors received a ruling from the High Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands in which they are not recognized as an interested party in the proceedings. Despite this setback, the Association continues its struggle, appealing to the regional authorities. In a letter sent to the president of the Balearic Government, they denounced the environmental pressure generated by the economic growth of Ibiza and requested measures to stop the degradation of the island’s natural resources. “It is up to us to protect this unique territory to preserve the balance between development and sustainability,” they conclude from the neighborhood collective, reaffirming their commitment to the defense of the environment.
