Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The largest saltwater lagoon in Spain might be facing an ecological collapse
Today in San Javier, Murcia, there was a meeting of the Forum for Inter-administrative Coordination of Mar Menor, which was presided by Antonio Luengo, Regional Minister for Water, Agriculture and Environment. It was announced that 48 initiatives will be undertaken to save the fragile ecosystem of the Mar Menor lagoon and 122.6 million euros will be invested to that end.
The projects that were discussed and announced at the meeting are part of the larger Program for Control and Improvement of the Rainwater Runoff Network and Sewage Treatment Plants 2020-2030. In its essence, the idea is to move towards creating separate networks for directing and collecting sewerage and stormwaters.
"We pursue the objective of separating rainwater networks from sanitation networks, due to the significant difference in the polluting load of both types of water," explained Minister Luengo, adding that "on one hand, there will be an obligation to install separate networks in all new urban developments around Mar Menor, thus promoting different treatments for these networks, while in already existing residential areas, the possibility of establishing new specialized rainwater networks is foreseen, which would reduce the volume of water introduced in unitary systems".
It may appear surprising but in the case of Mar Menor, it is actually the rainwaters that are considered more harmful for its fragile ecosystem. Last year there was a lot of concern after a large amount of fish were found dead on the surface of the lagoon.
The reason is in the specific biological and physical make-up of Mar Menor, which is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow sand strip. Torrential rains cause nitrogen and phosphorus from surrounding farmed soils to be washed into the lake, which in turn causes the increased growth of algae.
When there is an algal bloom the top layer of the water body becomes dense and does not let sunlight penetrate deeply. This, in turn, makes the bottom of the lagoon oxygen-deficient and essentially a dead layer.
Fish and crabs seek refuge at the top layer; however, strong winds can push it to the side allowing for the dead layer to resurface trapping the animals and essentially suffocating them. That is why it is important to measure oxygen levels, salinity, turbidity and chlorophyll levels, as these are the essential indicators whether the ecosystem is balanced.
The most important among the planned projects are the installations of rainwater drains and collectors and anti-overflow prevention systems for the unified sewerage lines.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team