Balearics launch €4m drive for cool public spaces
Shaded squares, greener schoolyards and free indoor spaces could receive funding across the Balearic Islands under a €4 million scheme for climate shelters — places designed to offer relief from heat. The Balearic Government set out the plan to town halls and island councils in Palma on 8 September. The money comes from the Sustainable Tourism Tax.
It will be split between two funding rounds of €2 million each. Projects rejected in the previous round can be improved and submitted again, while councils that did not apply before will have more time to prepare plans.
The earlier call drew proposals from 24 local or island bodies, but only 13 won funding. Diego Viu, director general for Circular Economy, Energy Transition and Climate Change, said almost twice as many projects had been put forward as could be supported.
Shade, trees and indoor spaces
The plans can cover more shade in squares and parks, schoolyards turned into greener, cooler areas, and tree-lined streets linking climate shelters. Public indoor spaces can also be adapted for the scheme.
Some projects may use temperature and humidity sensors to measure whether the changes improve thermal comfort. Proposed nature-based measures include trees, vegetation, shaded areas and water points.
Up to €250,000 for each municipality
Planning a municipal network of climate shelters can be funded in full, up to €25,000 for municipalities with fewer than 20,000 people and €50,000 for larger ones.
Work to create or improve outdoor shelters, green the connecting corridors or adapt indoor spaces can receive up to 80 percent of eligible costs, capped at €250,000 per municipality. The spaces must be accessible, free, open to the public, fitted with rest areas and clearly signposted.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com