A FLOTILLA protest against drilling in Andalucian waters was hailed as a success by Greenpeace but activists say there is still much work to be done.
A dozen boats sailed to Repsol’s proposed drilling site and placed a buoy there to highlight its clearly visible position just 10km from the coast’s beaches.
“The flotilla was a success … as it raised interest from media that commonly have not paid attention to the case, giving it statewide attention,” Greenpeace spokesman Julio Barea told the Olive Press.
“We have denounced drilling here as both the government and Repsol have not studied nor found solutions to the raised seismicity and tsunami risk in the area.”
He says the project would mean drilling in the area of highest seismic risk in Spain – where the Iberian and African plate meet.
Barea added: “After Malaga, the Arctic Sunrise will continue on to the Canaries to denounce new exploration projects there and it will continue to work around the world in order to change the dirty energy model to one based on renewable energy, conservation and efficiency.”
The flotilla – organised by the Citizens’ Movement Against Oil Prospecting in the Costa del Sol – was joined on by environmental groups including Ecologists in Action, EQUO Malaga, The Citizens’ Platform and Greenpeace’s illustrious icebreaker, the Arctic Sunrise.
