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Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
Authorities make shocking discovery hidden in shipping container of children's toys: 'A worrying example'
Authorities make shocking discovery hidden in shipping container of children's toys: 'A worrying example' Authorities recently discovered an illegal shipment of the world's smallest turtles crammed into socks and tucked between plush toys — a chilling reminder of the growing wildlife trade that threatens both animals and ecosystems around the globe. What's happening? Authorities in Gandia, Spain, uncovered 20 black-breasted leaf turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) — a protected species — during a routine inspection of a shipping container from China, according to Euro Weekly News. The tiny turtles, which are no more than 15 centimeters when fully grown, were hidden in socks to avoid detection. Many of the animals didn't survive the journey. Rescuers rushed the surviving turtles to Terra Natura Benidorm, a wildlife park specializing in the care of exotic and endangered species. The turtles arrived in critical condition, suffering from dehydration and physical deterioration, according to the park's herpetologist, David Martí. Martí called it "a worrying example of the real impact of illegal wildlife trafficking," per Euro Weekly News. Why are these turtles important? This kind of smuggling doesn't just harm animals; it disrupts entire ecosystems. When species are plucked from their habitats and trafficked around the world, it can lead to cascading effects that damage soil health, plant growth, and food chains. That destabilizes the very environments people rely on for clean water, food, and climate protection. Plus, removing rare animals from the wild to be sold as pets or collectibles makes it harder for conservationists to rebuild vulnerable populations. Invasive species introduced through trafficking can also spread disease and compete with local wildlife, compounding the damage. "Practices like these destabilise entire ecosystems and undermine efforts to conserve already vulnerable species," Martí said. Similar incidents, such as the arrest of exotic animal traffickers in Bangkok and the Massachusetts man caught smuggling endangered and protected animal parts, have shown how this global trade threatens both biodiversity and human well-being. What's being done about wildlife trafficking? Spain's Nature Protection Service is cracking down on traffickers by inspecting ports, pet shops, and online sellers, and it's asking the public for help. If you suspect illegal trade in exotic or protected animals, report it to your local environmental or customs authorities. You can also support the work of places such as Terra Natura Benidorm and wildlife rehabilitation groups. Buying pets only from ethical, certified sources and saying no to exotic species helps reduce demand. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the the daily Crossword
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Cruise ship blow as Spain tears down three terminals amid tourism row
The Port of Barcelona currently has nine terminals, seven of which are cruise ship terminals - but the three oldest are set to be demolished amid pressure from locals Three cruise ship terminals are to be ripped down in Barcelona following mounting pressure from locals. Officials in the beloved Spanish destination have decided to scale back the port's cruise ship capacity after years of campaigners arguing that boatloads of passengers are adding unbearable strain to the city. Barcelona's port currently boasts nine terminals, with seven dedicated to cruise ships. Catalonian governing authorities have now chosen to act, with proposals to demolish the three most dated terminals (A, B, and C). A cutting-edge terminal will be constructed at Terminal C's existing site, due to launch by the decade's close. The replacement facility will accommodate approximately 7,000 passengers simultaneously. Nevertheless, the port's overall daily capacity will fall from roughly 37,000 to 31,000 under the €185m (£160m) scheme, according to EuroWeekly News. The revelation comes after this week's agreement between the port authority and the city council. Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni declared: "For the first time in history, limits are being placed on the growth of cruise ships in the city." Officials anticipate the measure will also improve public access to the port facilities. The city is also reportedly investing €50 million in constructing fresh amenities where terminals A and B currently stand." According to EU Today, under the new strategy, cruise lines that begin and conclude their journeys in the city will receive preference over those making brief stopovers. The aim is to alleviate overcrowding in particularly affected areas of Barcelona and encourage tourists to extend their stay, thereby boosting per capita spending within the city's economy. Official figures reveal that the travel hotspot experienced a 21% increase in cruise ship visits and a 20% rise in passengers to 1.2 million people from January to May this year, compared to the same period last year. Residents have long expressed concerns about the impact of cruises on both the city and its environment. Responsible Travel recently explained why Barcelona, in particular, has suffered from cruise ship tourism. READ MORE: Husband and wife have been on holiday to same seaside town every year since 1970 "Barcelona has the Mediterranean's largest port, for example, which makes it a prime spot for huge cruise ships. In 1990, just 115,000 cruise passengers arrived in Barcelona. By 2017, that figure stood at 2.7 million, arriving into one of nine cruise terminals. The city was the home port for Allure of the Seas in 2015, at the time the world's largest cruise ship with a maximum capacity of just under 6,500 passengers. And in 2019, Barcelona (along with Palma) earned the unwanted title of most polluted port in Europe," the publication wrote. "Overtourism is not just about too many people, however. When it comes to Barcelona, the issue is that they are all arriving at once. Of the 32 million annual visitors, around half are day trippers; this will include most of the cruise passengers. Spending just a few hours in the city, visitors have a limited radius and will tick off the same few places: La Rambla, the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, La Boqueria market." In his 2016 paper on Managing Tourism in Barcelona, Dr Harold Goodwin described the arrival of cruise ship passengers as feeling like 'a tidal wave.' Last month, there was another tranche of anti-overtourism protests in Barcelona, with demonstrators continuing to organise marches against what they perceive as excessive numbers of foreign visitors. They argue this is having an unsustainable effect on living costs and housing. In response to these concerns, authorities have introduced various measures, including plans to prohibit short-term apartment rentals to tourists by the end of 2028.
Dublin Live
19-06-2025
- Health
- Dublin Live
12 injured after blast tears through pub in Spain tourist hotspot
A Spanish pub was rocked by a major explosion, leaving at least 12 people injured in the southeastern town today. The blast occurred at the Casa Javi bar situated in Lo Pagan, San Pedro del Pinatar, just before half past noon local time, near Murcia's Mediterranean coast. Even though it's not as packed with tourists as Spain's bigger resorts, the area has recently seen a visitor boom. More than 320,000 international holidaymakers visited the area from January to April, a 20% uptick from last year, reports Euro Weekly News. According to La7, emergency crews inclusive of police, firefighters, and medical staff were at the scene swiftly. Shocking pictures show the bar left in tatters, its canopy shredded, amidst rubble strewn over a bustling market street right at the heart of Lo Pagan. Nearby stalls and shops also caught some of the damage from what's being termed a "powerful explosion", reports the Irish Mirror. Euro Weekly News attributes the explosion to a gas leak, with authorities currently investigating the cause of the incident. At the time, the Casa Javi bar was closed, however, the town's market day crowd outside bore the brunt of the blast, causing multiple injuries among the onlookers and market visitors. Out of the 12 people injured, three suffered serious injuries. One individual was rushed to the intensive care unit at the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia, while another was admitted to the hospital's burns unit. A third person with severe injuries was transported to Los Arcos del Mar Menor Hospital in nearby San Javier. Three more individuals with less severe injuries received treatment between Los Arcos and Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena. Seven people sustained minor injuries and were cared for at a local health centre. No fatalities have been reported. Emergency services continue to remain on site to assess the full extent of the damage. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Spain pub explosion leaves at least 12 injured in tourist hotspot
At least 12 people are injured after an explosion tore through a pub in southeastern Spain today. Emergency services were called to the Casa Javi bar in Lo Pagan, a coastal town in San Pedro del Pinatar, shortly before 12.30pm local time. It is located at the northern tip of the Murcia region's Mediterranean coastline. Despite being less tourist-heavy than major Spanish resorts, the region has seen a surge in visitors - with more than 320,000 foreign tourists arriving between January and April this year, nearly 20% more than in the same period last year, according to Euro Weekly News. More than 25 calls were made by members of the public reporting the blast. According to regional news outlet La7, police, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the scene within minutes. Images from the site show the bar's awning ripped apart, with doors and debris scattered across a busy market street in the centre of Lo Pagan. Several surrounding stalls and businesses also suffered damage in what officials have described as a "powerful explosion". According to Euro Weekly News, the blast was caused by a gas explosion and investigations are ongoing. The bar was closed at the time, however the town's weekly street market was taking place just outside the premises - leading to multiple injuries among bystanders and marketgoers. Of the 12 people injured, three sustained serious injuries. One person was transferred to the intensive care unit at the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia, while another was admitted to the hospital's burns unit. A third seriously injured person was taken to Los Arcos del Mar Menor Hospital in nearby San Javier. Three others with less serious injuries were treated between Los Arcos and Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena. Seven people suffered minor injuries and were attended to at a local health center. No fatalities have been reported. Emergency crews remain on site investigating the full extent of the damage.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- The Sun
Holiday hotspot loved by Brits introduces new ban with £630 fines for rule-breakers
BRIT holidaymakers could face eyewatering fines for seemingly innocent purchases under new rules in a popular tourist spot. New fines brought in at a sunny destination have prompted warnings to tourists to be careful when buying souvenirs. 3 3 3 With the summer holidays fast approaching, many families will be dreaming of setting off for a well earned break in the sun. But one ever-popular location has brought in new rules against unauthorised street vendors. Unsuspecting tourists are warned not to buy things from street vendors in Palma, the capital of the Spanish island Majorca. It may be tempting to pick up a quick snack or refreshment from conveniently placed street vendors. But tourists who break the new rules risk being hit with a mammoth fine. Under the regulations, people who are caught buying from rogue street salespeople could face penalties of up to €750 (£630). The ban applies to the purchase of anything from food and drinks to souvenirs and watches. Danny Toffel, CEO and founder of online retailer Watches2U, told Euro Weekly News: "When travelling abroad, it's always worth reading up on local rules. "These measures have been implemented to safeguard Palma's culture and economy and, in some instances, for public safety. "Purchasing from unauthorised street vendors might appear a harmless way to snag a bargain, but they can undermine local, legitimate businesses." Tourists in the popular holiday spot are instead advised to buy from reputable, legitimate businesses instead of street vendors. Toffel added: "Illegal street vendors may also peddle counterfeit goods, which again may not seem like a significant issue to many, but violate intellectual property rules and divert money away from legitimate businesses." These new laws are understood to be related to concerns from residents about overtourism. Holidaymakers in Majorca should also be aware of new regulations around electric scooters. Riders now have to prove they have civil liability insurance and have to wear a helmet. Fresh penalties on graffiti have also been unveiled, with rule-breakers to get handed a €3,000 fine. There are also penalties against nudism - whether it be total or partial - of up to €750. Tourists are ultimately advised to make sure they read up on the local rules and customs of wherever they travel to. A document explaining the new regulations says the rules are in place to "prevent inappropriate everyday actions" and "address incivility in general."
