Latest news with #naturalpark
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katy Perry fined after filming music video filmed in protected area
The production firm behind a Katy Perry music video has paid a $7,000 fine following criticism over footage filmed in the dune of s'Espalmador, a protected area of Spain, without permission. The American singer, 40, shot the footage in the to accompany her single LIFETIMES in the Ses Salines Natural Park on the Balearic Islands, Spain, in July last year. Officials classified the offence as "serious" but said no further penalties would be applied due to no evidence of lasting environmental damage. The firm - which promptly paid up - did not have a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment to enter the area roped off to protect especially valuable habitats, according to Europa Press. The natural park, which covers the south of party island Ibiza, the north of its picturesque neighbour Formentera and the sea between them, is protected for its rich biodiversity. In particular, it is an important stopover and nesting spot for migrating birds and contains a UNESCO World Heritage stretch of the Mediterranean. The region, designated an 'area of special scenic and rural interest', contains some of the Balearics' best beaches, with a striking mix of rugged coastline, forest and flatlands. Investigations began in July last year after the singer was spotted on the ecologically precious dunes of S'Espalmador, a small islet off the north coast of Formentera. The compact private land mass, of around 340 acres, has been part of the Ses Salines protected park since 1980. She was also pictured dancing across various other protected parts of the island and nearby Ibiza, both popular sun-soaked tourist hotspots - so questions were soon raised about whether it was above board. Government officials at the time emphasised no filming application had been made to shoot on the site. The production company was fined the minimum amount for this kind of offence, according to the French L'Independant publication. S'Espalmador along with nearby Ses Illetes beach, on the northern tip of Formentera have long been the subject of preservation efforts by local authorities. Boasting the best-preserved dunes on the Balearics, they offer an array of rare habitats for the area's diverse plants and animals.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- The Sun
The secret side to Portugal crowned one of the best places in Europe to visit this year
THERE are lots of famous spots in Portugal like the Algarve and Porto. But have you heard of Arrábida? Just 35 minutes south of Lisbon, Arrábida is a beautiful natural park with huge mountains and incredible blue waters that visitors describe as "paradise." 5 5 Located next to the sea, between Setúbal and the lively fishing town of Sesimbra, Arrábida Natural Park has incomparable natural beauty. It was described by Condé Nast Traveler as 'one of the best places in Europe to visit in 2025'. It went on to describe the Portuguese destination as 'a hidden gem', with 'nature at its core in its purest state', castles and 'excellent wines'. The Arrábida comprises miles of land and sea on the southern coast, close to Lisbon. It has white sandy coves and huge mountains, but it isn't as popular as other destinations in Portugal. But with rave reviews, it should be. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "You will be amazed! It's just wonderful! "It feels like we're on the other side of the world UNAVOIDABLE. You must visit the park and the heavenly beaches." Another added: "Breathtaking landscape! The colour of the sea ... a mixture of green and blue. "The waters are transparent. You can sea fish around you! A paradise on land!" Arrábida has crystal-clear waters and stunning coastline, so it's no surprise that it'a great place for water sports, particularly snorkelling and kayaking. Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches 5 5 On the water are often boat tours and coasteering, which involves exploring the coastline by swimming, climbing, and jumping from cliffs. There are also dolphin-watching tours because there are often sightings of Bottlenose and Common Dolphins. Sesimbra is in the foothills of Arrábida and is often known as a good place to stay for anyone wanting to visit the park. It has hotels, bars and clubs as well as cafes scattered along the beachfront. Getting to Arrábida only takes four hours after leaving the UK, including a 50-minute drive south from Lisbon airport. Plus, the . 5
Times of Oman
21-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
New natural park to be developed in the Bausher Sands area of Muscat Governorate
Muscat: In a significant move towards sustainable urban growth, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued a Royal Decree No. 55/2025, officially designating a new public benefit project in the heart of the capital. The natural park will be developed in the Bausher Sands area of Muscat Governorate. The project, announced in coordination with the Muscat Municipality and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, aims to preserve and transform one of Muscat's rare natural landscapes into a sustainable, eco-conscious urban space. According to the decree, the initiative will play a critical role in activating the national urban development strategy by aligning environmental stewardship with long-term urban planning. The key highlights of the project include: - Advancing the National Strategy for Urban Development through focused management of the natural environment and cultural heritage. - Repurposing the natural topography of Bausher Sands into a driver of sustainable growth and recreation. - Safeguarding a unique ecological asset nestled in the capital city. According to Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning: 'The Bausher Sands Park project is part of Oman's national urban development strategy under the theme "Natural Environment and Heritage Management." Its purpose is to safeguard the unique sandy terrain as a natural landmark, protect the site's environmental identity, ensure harmony between urban planning and nature, and link city landmarks through eco-friendly pathways. The ministry added: 'the Bousher Sands Park Project reflect the vision of 'Greater Muscat' through 'Vital Muscat' and 'Productive Muscat' by Recreational activities and public spaces enhance Vital Muscat, Domestic tourism and economic opportunities support Productive Muscat, Licensing leveraged for innovative environmental activities, and Balanced development embodies the concept of sustainable development. In this regard, the Muscat Municipality has completed its design phase of Bausher Sands Development Project which is set to transform over 300,000 square metres of area in the Bausher Sands area of Muscat. The plan features a range of architectural elements, including a visitor center, food and beverage outlets, car-related facilities, and multi-level parking. With sustainability as a core goal, the project aspires to achieve LEED certification for its buildings, reflecting a commitment to eco-conscious urban expansion while enhancing the site's appeal as a recreational and tourism hub.
Times of Oman
21-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
New natural park announced in the heart of Muscat
Muscat: In a significant move toward sustainable urban growth, His Majesty the Sultan of Oman has issued Royal Decree No. 55/2025, officially designating a new public benefit project in the heart of the capital: the development of a natural park in the Bousher Sands area of Muscat Governorate. The project, announced in coordination with Muscat Municipality and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, aims to preserve and transform one of Muscat's rare natural landscapes into a sustainable, eco-conscious urban space. According to the decree, the initiative will play a critical role in activating the national urban development strategy by aligning environmental stewardship with long-term urban planning. Key highlights of the project include: • Advancing the National Strategy for Urban Development through focused management of the natural environment and cultural heritage • Repurposing the natural topography of Bousher Sands into a driver of sustainable growth and recreation • Safeguarding a unique ecological asset nestled in the capital city According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning: 'The Bousher Sands Park project is part of Oman's national urban development strategy under the theme Natural Environment and Heritage Management. Its purpose is to safeguard the unique sandy terrain as a natural landmark, protect the site's environmental identity, ensure harmony between urban planning and nature, and link city landmarks through eco-friendly pathways.' The ministry added: 'The Bousher Sands Park project reflects the vision of 'Greater Muscat' through 'Vital Muscat' and 'Productive Muscat'. Recreational activities and public spaces enhance Vital Muscat; domestic tourism and economic opportunities support Productive Muscat. Licensing will be leveraged for innovative environmental activities, and balanced development embodies the concept of sustainable development.' In this regard, Muscat Municipality has completed the design phase of the Bousher Sands Development Project, which is set to transform over 300,000 square metres in the Bousher Sands area of Muscat. The plan features a range of architectural elements, including a visitor centre, food and beverage outlets, car-related facilities, and multi-level parking. With sustainability as a core goal, the project aspires to achieve LEED certification for its buildings, reflecting a commitment to eco-conscious urban expansion while enhancing the site's appeal as a recreational and tourism hub.
