Using the occasion of World Environment Day, the five state-level environmental organizations (WWF / Adena, SEO / Birdlife, Greenpeace, Ecologists in Action and Friends of the Earth) reported the adverse consequences environmental and social impact of uncontrolled urban planning in Spain and called on all the Presidents of the Autonomous Communities and the Government to prevent land speculation.

Between 1990 and 2000, the land grew 170,384 hectares in Spain , which represents 25 percent of the territory. In this same period, lost 239,248 hectares of forest land. In 2005 he broke all the record reaching the construction of 800,000 homes. Construction has become one of the main business and the country's economic engine. In 2005 the construction explained in Spain 40 per cent of total employment growth of the economy and 33 percent of GDP growth.

Despite these figures, Spain was in the group of countries OECD has been most pronounced increases in the price of housing. In fact, access to housing remains one of the major social problems. In 2005 the relationship between the credit to families and household disposable income rose to 115 percent. Ie, high levels of construction are not producing declines in housing prices, however, are creating major environmental problems.

The degradation of the Mediterranean coast is an example that extends throughout the State . The north are suffering, the building of 1,700 km strip of sea in Galicia, a 75 percent increase with the new urban planning program that 600,000 apartments.

The country also lags behind. In fact, the urban growth in regions such as Madrid exceeded the national average in the decade 1990-2000 urbanizing 50 percent of its territory. Over a hundred of the 179 municipalities in the region are currently preparing their General Urban Plan, which will result in the imminent disposal of land for building at least 260,000 homes.

developer tide sweeps everything. The figure of protected natural area is no longer a guarantee of survival, self-government amend the limits, revise the rules, allowing housing, major infrastructure, ski resorts, marinas, etc.. But the environmental impact is not only because the cultural, historical and architectural also suffers. The landscape of traditional orchards in Murcia and Levante disappears. Monumental, despite being declared a World Heritage Site, are threatened. well, in the city of Toledo is expected to build the traditional valley of the Tagus River and San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid), eating houses the slopes of Mount Abantos and snatch Monastery monumental views.

Associated with this vortex constructive corruption problems arise in most administrations. In this context urban irregularities are constant. Citizens' rights are trampled and the negative environmental reports become positive. The Urban Councils conceal information and many cases of prevarication and urban crime committed by municipal officials. Despite the complaints, is scandalous impunity. The lack of sensitivity or knowledge on the part of many urban judges helps foster this.
 

Source: Ecologists in Action