Es Carnatge and five Palma beaches join the AECC smoke-free spaces network

Es Carnatge and the beaches of Ciudad Jardín, Es Penyó, Can Pastilla, Cala Major and Cala Nova joined the Spanish Association Against Cancer's (AECC) Smoke-Free Spaces initiative on Monday, August 3rd, as part of a project aimed at reducing tobacco consumption in public spaces.

According to statements released by both the AECC and Palma City Council, signs identifying these bathing areas as Smoke-Free Spaces will be installed, alongside awareness and prevention campaigns to discourage smoking.

Ana Belén Velasco, manager of the AECC in the Balearic Islands, said that extending the campaign to beaches represents "a very important step forward in continuing to denormalize the use of tobacco and new smoking devices in leisure and public gathering spaces."

Velasco stressed the importance of maintaining smoke-free beaches as increasingly natural environments, particularly to protect children and teenagers from behaviors associated with tobacco use and other nicotine devices.

She added that the project's goal is "to achieve the first smoke-free generation," making it "essential" to expand the number of tobacco-free public spaces that encourage healthier lifestyles.

Palma City Council said it will help promote the AECC's messages and implement measures aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to refrain from smoking in public areas.

Llorenç Bauzá, Palma's Councillor for Natural Environment and Healthy Spaces, emphasized the need to "reduce tobacco consumption among the population as much as possible" in order to improve public health, well-being, and quality of life.

With the addition of these six beaches, the initiative will expand measures already in place at around 60 parks and public spaces across Palma, including Sa Riera Park, Parc de les Estacions, Sa Feixina, Ses Fonts Park, Plaça del Progrés, Krekovic Park and Plaça París.