News
Spain boosts security after Catalan attacks
Vélez visits
A week after the terrorist attacks in Cataluña , Spain remains in shock . However , as the investigations continued , attention quickly turned to the country ’ s plans for ensuring security in the future , although the Level 4 terrorist alert has not been increased .
Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said last month that , “ those who know best ” were “ unanimous ” in agreeing that a move to the maximum Level 5 alert is not required at this time . Spain has been on Level 4 alert , indicating “ risk of imminent attack ,” since June 26 , 2015 .
The Minister explained that additional measures being undertaken now include monitoring certain
The Government has formally announced that there will be no further construction work along 7,883 kilometres of its coastline . Spain has thus become one of the first countries in the world to adopt a national strategy for adapting its coasts to the effects of climate change .
The news came in last month ’ s Official State Bulletin which stated , “ Excessive urbanisation in recent decades , building infrastructure on the coast and the reduction of the river flows has changed the coastline , destroying dunes , draining marshes and coastal lagoons , increasing erosion and altering the coast through embankments and breakwaters .” It concludes that , “ the economic development model implemented in recent decades and exploitation of resources have posed a threat to the coastline , increasing exposure and vulnerability to climate change as a result of the urban pressure and degradation suffered .”
The move mandates the Coastal Act of 2013 after receiving scientific advice from one of the field ’ s pioneering infrastructure and crowded places , especially those connected to tourism , intensifying the prevention of attacks , strengthening rapid reaction units and closer coordination with local police . The border with France has been strengthened and French police have been carrying out extra checks on those arriving from Spain .
Activating the Level 5 status of “ very high risk ” is reserved for exceptional cases of suspected imminent attacks on national territory . It differs from the current level only in that the military can be called out to protect critical infrastructure , communication hubs and busy public places , such as airports , railway stations and shopping centres , as well the possibility of implementing restrictions on airspace .
Spain adopts coastline climate strategy
centres worldwide , the Hydraulic Institute environmental University of Cantabria , and an extensive public consultation process .
The Spanish Climate Change Office of the Government has warned that , if preventative measures are not taken , around 15 million people living in 487 coastal municipalities in 24 provinces and 10 regions will be affected by coastal flooding or displacement through loss of land by the end of the century . The new strategy addressing the effect of climate change on Spain ’ s coasts is described as “ integrated coastal management adaptation ,” a tool which no other country has yet adopted .
Green criticism
Plans for a new hotel in the area of Málaga ’ s port have been slammed by Ecologists in Action . The green group is against the planned 350-bed project because of its impact on the landscape and the need to protect the coast . It is also highly critical of the way in which the consultation process is being handled .
Vélez-Málaga has launched a programme to enable residents in outlying areas of the municipality to visit and find out about the town ’ s historic centre . Already a group from Cajiz and Almayate have taken part in the “ Don ’ t miss Vélez-Málaga ” initiative . Others from Benajarafe , Chilches , Triana and Trapiche are expected to follow in their footsteps in the coming days .
Final balance
Málaga ’ s annual fair last month brought € 60 million to the city , according to mayor Francisco de la Torre . An estimated 55,000 visitors arrived for the events and over 100,000 overnight stays were recorded , while 974 tons of rubbish was collected , 1.4 % more than last year . However , police confiscated over 30 weapons , detained 457 people on drugs charges and closed 46 establishments for various offences .
US flights ?
Air Europa is reported to have been taking soundings from the province ’ s business and tourism sectors on the possibility of permanent flights between Málaga ’ s airport and the United States . Last year , the Costa del Sol recorded a total of 105 000 American travellers , 15 % more than in 2016 . Only Delta Airlines has previously offered a direct link between Málaga and New York .
Pool progress
Rincón de la Victoria ’ s new indoor swimming pool will open in first quarter of 2018 , according to mayor Francisco Salado . Construction is reported to be 75 % complete and the town council is preparing to invite tenders for managing the leisure complex . Work began in the Huerta Julián area during February 2016 with a budget of € 3.8 million , financed entirely by the municipality .
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