Plans move ahead for new marine reserve around Cabo Cope
Ramonete and Puntas de Calnegre residents have been invited to share their input on the project
Lorca City Council will hold a meeting with residents of Ramonete and Puntas de Calnegre next week to discuss plans for a new Marine Reserve of Fisheries Interest (RMIP) around Cabo Cope.
The proposed reserve covers 33 hectares of external waters under Spanish government control and 1,703 hectares of inland waters regulated by the Region of Murcia, which includes the coastal area of the Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre Regional Park.
This protected area stretches from Punta del Siscal to the border with Águilas, encompassing part of one of the last stretches of unspoiled coastline on the Spanish Mediterranean.
Councillor for the Environment María Hernández Benítez announced the consultation plans, explaining that residents will have the opportunity to learn about the project and provide input on its development.
"The creation of this marine reserve will be a fundamental tool for ensuring the conservation and regeneration of fishing resources, as well as for protecting the biodiversity of our coast, making environmental protection compatible with the development of sustainable activities,” she said.
“Therefore, we will study a proposal for the delimitation of the marine reserve of fishing interest, agreed upon with local residents and reflecting the environmental values and criteria of the technical staff of the Environment Commission," Ms Hernández Benítez added.
The councillor also emphasised the importance of local involvement in the planning process.
"Now that the RMIP is in the public participation phase, it is time to meet with the residents of Ramonete and Puntas de Calnegre to explain the project and allow them to provide input, express their concerns and contribute their proposals to a management model that protects the natural environment while addressing the needs of those who live and work in the area."
Public participation in the consultation process remains open until July 29, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food accepting contributions and suggestions via email at sgprotec@mapa.es.
Ms Hernández Benítez stressed that the marine reserve designation would not prohibit traditional activities but rather regulate them sustainably.
"Artisanal fishing, recreational diving and scientific research will continue to be possible under regulation, because protection does not mean prohibition, but rather sustainable management. However, we want these activities to extend to the entire Lorca coast, not just a portion," she stated.
The councillor concluded by stressing that making Cabo Cope a marine reserve will protect a special area and help fish and sea life recover, which is good for both the environment and the local economy that depends on the sea.
For more local news, events and visiting information, you can go to the home page of Lorca Today
Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, 
Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San 
Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a 
series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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