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13 September 2008

45 Million Trees to be Planted

The environment minister has declared that 45 million trees will be planted over the next three years in Spain. The planting is part of a 90 million euro plan to combat desertification and climate change, while reducing erosion and protecting endemic species. The project is likely to generate some 670,000 hours of work, thus creating many new jobs.

Road Deaths Down this Summer

Road deaths recorded this July and August in Spain were the lowest since 1964 and 89 fewer than the same period last summer. The figure of 450 deaths is remarkable in comparison with 1964 when the number of vehicles on the road is now 30 million as against just 2 million then.

Moped Riding Test to be Made More Difficult

Changes to the Spanish Highway Code will make the moped riding test more difficult and a theory examination is to be introduced for the first time. Also, moped riders will have to be 18 to be allowed to carry packages on their bikes. The minimum age for riders is to be increased to 15 in two year’s time.

New Tolls in Cataluna

Increased motorway tolls have recently come into force in Cataluna for cars carrying only one person. At the same time cars carrying several occupants will be charged less.

Criticism Over Civil War Deaths List

Conservative groups in Spain, led by an editorial in El Mundo newspaper have criticised the request from Judge Garzon for lists of Civil War dead to be drawn up. A group of National Court judges have come out in support of the request which is also supported by left wing parties and Amnesty International.

Cabo de Gata Hotel Declared Illegal

The partially built hotel in Cabo de Gata national park has been declared illegal by a judge in Almeria. The licence for the hotel, issued by the Junta de Andalucia and the local authority at Carboneras, has been ruled null and void and prosecutors have been asked to investigate whether a criminal offence has been committed. The owner of the hotel has demanded 100 million euros from the administrations for its compulsory purchase and eventual demolition.

El Gordo Lottery Winner

A single ticket bought by someone in the village of Pilar de la Horadada near Alicante won over 26 million euros in last week’s big draw. The winner, gaining the third biggest win in the El Gordo Primitiva lottery, has not yet been identified.

Olive Stone Spitting Competition

The world championship olive stone spitting competition was recently held in Cieza near Murcia. The prize, called El Hueso de Oro, went to a local councillor who managed 18.76 metres, far short of the 1998 world record of 21.2m also held by a local man. The championships have also been held in New York, Munich and Beijing in recent years.

Tour of Spain Good for Jaen

The recent stage of the cycling Tour of Spain which passed through Jaen contributed about a million euros to the city’s finances according to the mayor. The event was seen in 150 countries on TV, raising the profile of the city and likely to encourage further tourism.

CCTV to Protect Staff in Granada Hospitals

Following a series of verbal and physical assaults in Granada hospitals and out-patients’ departments, Andalucian Health Service (SAS) authorities are to install closed circuit cameras in 70 locations. The SAS is also planning to provide metal detectors and panic alarms.

Strange Sheepdog

A shepherd, whose flock roams the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Granada province, uses a tame jabali (wild boar) for controlling his animals. The animal, called Luisa, was abandoned by her mother and rescued from certain death by her owner, has naturally picked up shepherding techniques and controls the sheep and goats using a series of grunts.

New Airline for Cordoba

A new airline, Flysur, started operations from Cordoba last week. The company, described as 100% Andaluz, will initially operate daily flights to Barcelona, four per week to Bilbao and three per week to Vigo.

Second Best Health Service is Andalucia's

A recent report has concluded that Andalucia has the second best health service in Spain, bettered only by that of Asturias. The region’s service scores well on waiting times, number of doctors per 1000 inhabitants, and number of beds, but falls down on the amount spent per person. The worst region was declared to be Valencia, with Madrid, Las Canarias and Murcia only slightly better.

Ayuntamientos to Adopt Austerity Measures

With the fall in building activity reducing their incomes some larger ayuntamientos in Malaga province are being forced to adopt austerity measures to confront the economic crisis. Plans include reduced salaries for top employees, savings on expenses, fuel, mobile phones, and energy. Some have also made representations to the national government for additional state money.

AVE Link Completion by 2009

The new link for the Malaga-Barcelona route should be completed by the beginning of 2009 according to the Minister for Development. The 5.25 km link will connect the Madrid-Malaga line with the Madrid-Barcelona and French border line, removing the need to go into Atocha station and reducing the journey time by 50 minutes to 5 hours 40 minutes.

Marbella Illegal Building Demolition to Start by Year End

The Ayuntamiento of Marbella has announced that demolition of illegally built edifices will start by the end of the year. Promoters responsible for building outside the urban plan (PGOU) will be required to bear the costs of the demolition.

Raw Food Nudists in Ojen

The nudist followers of Balta Lorenzo, who live in a finca near Ojen have adopted a diet of only raw food in the belief that this is a healthier way of life. This weekend, coinciding with the full moon, they will be holding a crudivegan festival celebrating their way of life.

Artesan Show in Marbella

The eighth international artesan show continues this weekend until September 15th. The show featuring products from more than forty countries can be visited in the Plaza de Antonio Banderas in Puerto Banus from 11.00 a.m. until midnight.

First Alora Olives with Denominacion de Origen

The collection and processing of the first Alora olives to bear the Denominacion de Origen stamp has now begun and was recently celebrated in a commemoration attended by the mayor and representatives of the Rural Development Group (GDR) of the Guadalhorce valley.

Romeria in Alora

The annual Romeria de la Virgen de Flores takes place this Sunday September 14th with the traditional procession through the town to the Convento and the subsequent fiesta.

Football

Following the heavy defeat (4-0) last weekend at Atletico Madrid, Malaga play their second match of the season against Athletic Bilbao tomorrow September 14th at the Rosaleda at 5.00 p.m.

Formula 1

The Italian Grand Prix takes place at Monza tomorrow September 14th at 2.00 p.m. Sebastian Vettel got pole position with Massa 6th and Hamilton 15th in a very wet qualifying session in Italy.

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