21 December 2010: From 28 September-1 October 2010, the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) executed its 68th Advisory Mission in Mallorca, Spain, to assess the conflictual situation created by the development of a golf course in a former dune area at the edge of the coastal Ramsar Site S’Albufera de Mallorca.

The mission consisted of four experts, representing the regional authorities of the Balearic Islands, the Spanish Ramsar administrative authority, and the Convention Secretariat. It analyzed the likely impacts of the golf course development on the ecology and hydrology of the wetland ecosystem, and provided advice about the possible sustainability of the golf course project. Based on interviews with stakeholders and documentation provided by different sources, the Mission formulated 12 recommendations in a report that was formally approved by the Spanish Ramsar Authority. The report concludes that the ancient dune system affected by the golf course development is a functional part of the Ramsar Site ecosystem of international importance, and that it is therefore advisable to rapidly restore its degraded functions for the sake of the unique elements of Mediterranean biodiversity that depend on this site. The report further proposes to establish a dialogue between the different interest groups to find sustainable tourist development solutions. [Ramsar Press Release]