LIFE Adapt Cala Millor Project FITUR 

Cala Millor is participating in this fair with a proposal focused on adapting this tourist destination to climate change, with a systemic and integrated vision, within the framework of the LIFE AdaptCalaMillor project. 

On January 25th, at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), the LIFE AdaptCalaMillor project was presented, an initiative by the Government of the Balearic Islands selected by the European Commission to be part of its subprogram on "Mitigation and adaptation to climate change," with an investment of 2,294,047 euros. Among the partner entities of this project are the University of Cantabria and the Environmental Hydraulics Institute of the University of Cantabria (IHCantabria), with whom LANDLAB collaborates regularly. 

At FITUR, Diego Víu Domínguez, General Director of Circular Economy, Energy Transition, and Climate Change of the Balearic Government; José Marcial Rodríguez Díaz, Tourism Councillor of the Mallorca Council; and Joaquín Tintoré, Director of the Coastal Observation and Prediction System of the Balearic Islands (ICTS SOCIB) attended, along with other project partners and representatives of the Cala Millor Tourism Consortium. 

Based on projections for 2050 and 2100, the impacts derived from climate change on the Balearic coast point to the loss of beaches and the damage to buildings and infrastructure. Phenomena such as rising sea levels and intensified storms cause beach erosion and coastal flooding processes, directly threatening the region's main economic activity: tourism. 

The urban beach of Cala Millor is also threatened by this scenario. According to the results of the PIMA Adapta Costas Islas Baleares project, the urban beach of Cala Millor would be affected by a loss of dry beach between 33% and 66% by 2100; in both scenarios, the least favorable climatic conditions are considered. The erosion process would be irreversible for any event, given that the beach's bottom is limited by the promenade and both the physiography and human uses make its retreat impossible. 

Under an innovative approach that combines science, citizen participation, governance, and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), the urban beach of Cala Millor is preparing to face this global change landscape through the LIFE AdaptCalaMillor project, an initiative that was presented at FITUR today at 3:45 PM. 

LIFE AdaptCalaMillor aims to create a long-term local climate change adaptation project on the urban beach of Cala Millor. It will propose a transformation of the beach system and the urban area, with the aim of increasing the resilience of infrastructures, ecosystem services, and the socioeconomic sector against the anticipated impacts. Its methodological approach, scientifically supported, incorporates the understanding and collaboration of various stakeholders with shared interests and competencies in that bay. 

This ambitious project, which began in January 2023, will culminate in 2027 with the development of a strategic plan and a preliminary urbanization project for the coastline of Cala Millor, covering an estimated total area of 85,795 m². Simultaneously, the necessary documents for measures ready for implementation will be prepared. These will serve as the basis for contracting the climate change adaptation works in different stages and in an adaptive manner; thus marking the precise roadmap for the materialization of the proposed adaptation strategies and measures. 

Thus, the Bay of Cala Millor could serve as an example for other Mediterranean tourist destinations with similar characteristics. As a pilot case for climate change adaptation, it aims to take a step forward in solutions for the adaptation of urban beaches, through scientific analysis and study of local risks and vulnerabilities, moving on to the proposal of tangible and transformative actions, with a real impact on society and the development of this coastal paradise. 

In line with the need to address climate challenges, the commitment to NbS is used in the search for effective strategies for the long-term adaptation of the urban beach of Cala Millor, implementing the natural elements themselves as an alternative to coastal infrastructures and short-term remedial measures that prove to be less efficient from an economic and environmental standpoint. 

The geographical scope of the project covers an area of 1.5 km² of the beach. In this space, a meticulous analysis will be carried out with maps of hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks for the physical, environmental, and socioeconomic dimensions. These studies will be projected into the future, considering medium and long-term scales, up to 2030 and 2050. Subsequently, multi-risk maps will be developed, which will be fundamental for decision-making on integrated local adaptation strategies, addressing urban, legislative, socioeconomic, physical, and environmental aspects in a responsible manner. 

Rethinking the beachfront: governance and participation approach 

This process of defining adaptation strategies and specific development projects will not only be based on science but will also be carried out through a progressive, participatory, and multi-level approach that involves various stakeholders throughout the entire duration of the project. 

According to the Director General of Circular Economy, Energy Transition, and Climate Change of the Balearic Government, Diego Viu, "it is very important to work transversally with public-private initiatives that help us in the preservation of the environment and in the fight against climate change in the Balearic Islands." We must anticipate possible future scenarios to design effective action plans, both in the medium and long term," which is why LIFE AdaptCalaMillor will establish common foundations to be able to move forward firmly against climate change.