D.L. MU 74-2025 - ISSN 3045-6703
Costa Cálida I No. 2145 I 13 - 19 August 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Los Alcazares hosts massive human chain to protect Mar Menor
IN a symbolic gesture of solidarity, appreciation for nature, and neighbourly camaraderie, thousands of residents and visitors gathered at the beaches of Los Alcazares to form a massive human chain in order to call for a “living Mar Menor.” This peaceful protest, which has now been ongoing for six consecutive summers, took place primarily at the Los Espejos beach, with hundreds of residents expressing their commitment to protecting this unique ecosystem, the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe. Banners displaying slogans, as well as the seahorse, which has long represented the Mar Menor, could be seen all along the human chain. The gesture represented a collective commitment to the protection, conservation, and restoration of a lagoon that has come not only to represent the Costa Calida, but the Region of Murcia it-
Photo Credit: Los Alcazares Town Hall
Thousands form a human chain supporting Mar Menor lagoon protection.
self. Over the years, the protests bloomed from small local gatherings to become a global movement, supported by more than 140 international organisations. Especially now, the outpouring of support is significant. The lagoon has been in a precarious position due to a number of environmental factors, including in-
tensive agriculture and agricultural runoff, urban development, pollution, and extreme weather events. Today, thanks to continued efforts by the community, conservationists, and officials, the lagoon is in better health, but neighbours are still gathering to see it preserved for generations to come.
Rockrose recovery
San Javier to host major charity golfing tournament
PUTTING for a good cause: At the end of August, Roda Golf will host the 9th edition of the Isabel Gemio Foundation Golf Tournament – Villa de San Javier, an event that will once more merge sport and solidarity to raise funds to support research into rare diseases. The return of the tournament was announced in San Javier, with 125 players already registered to participate. Competition organisers expect it to reach 200 participants. The competition, which will take place on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, will be played in Individual Stableford format, with three men’s categories, one women’s category, and a Scratch prize. Prizes will be awarded to the top two finishers in each category, refreshments will be provided along the course, and a prize draw will take place at the end of the tournament, marking an exciting weekend for sports fans and golfing enthusiasts on the Costa Calida. There will also be a shotgun start on Friday at 2.30pm. Aside from the thrill of taking to the green, at the heart of the competition is its charitable aspect. The funds raised from the sporting event will go towards research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as other rare diseases that affect residents in the Region of Murcia. Golfing fans and kind-hearted residents who want to make a difference in the region are encouraged to participate in a fun weekend of golf and solidarity in San Javier. Photo Credit: Roda Golf
Lagoon love
Generosity & golfing
THE rockrose of Cartagena, an extremely rare and highly threatened Mediterranean shrub, is emerging from a critical situation thanks to the continued efforts of the Region of Murcia to restore it. With more than 800 specimens and new plantings in Atamaria, the recovery programme for this incredible plant is well underway, combining conservation, scientific research, and environmental science. The Cartagena rockrose, or Cistus heterophyllus subsp. carthaginensis, is
Photo Credit: Royal Botanical Gardens
Rare plant native to Murcia saved from extinction
Murcia’s conservation efforts saved the Cartagena rockrose from extinction.
a subspecies endemic to southeastern Spain. It was discovered more than 100 years ago in the Cartagena-La Union mining district, where it was once abundant.
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However, mining activity and changes in the way the land was used caused the population to sharply decline during the 20th century. The decline was so drama-
tic, the plant was considered extinct for decades. Most recently, the Region of Murcia has planted more than 200 new specimens of this endangered species, reinforcing the recovery programme. This particular project was carried out by the General Directorate of Natural Heritage and Climate Action, developed in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena. Now, thanks to these efforts, the population exceeds 800 plants, all distributed across different areas in Spain.
Roda Golf hosts a charity tournament funding rare disease research.