a day ago
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.
