La Massana prepares for protest against the Alt de la Capa viewpoint

The Salvem la Capa citizens’ platform has called on people from all parishes to join a protest on Thursday against the proposed scenic and astronomical viewpoint at Alt de la Capa.

The peaceful demonstration will begin at 8 pm in Plaça del Quart in La Massana. Organisers plan to read a manifesto at 8.05 pm.

The call comes after a petition on Change.org passed 4,400 signatures. Salvem la Capa wants to bring that support onto the streets and call for the project to be halted and the public heard before work begins in this high-mountain natural area. “More than 4,400 signatures show that people are concerned”, the platform says.

Salvem la Capa calls for the project to be halted and the public consulted

Opponents have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the landscape and environment, the sustainability of the investment and the possible effects of a large influx of visitors. 

They have also warned that protected species live in the area, including the bearded vulture and the serenalla lizard, and voiced concern about the spread of artificial tourist facilities in the mountains.

The platform is calling for the project to be stopped immediately, a moratorium and a public consultation.

Environmental groups APAPMA, ADN, the Marcel Chevalier Foundation and ARPA are supporting Salvem la Capa. They are reviewing the environmental documentation and preparing objections.

Protest song backs the demonstration

The platform has also shared a rap song, around two and a half minutes long, setting out the movement’s demands.

The lyrics criticise the project’s impact on the landscape, question its presentation as progress and call for greater transparency and public participation.

The song calls for the viewpoint project to be stopped and for the area’s future to be decided with public involvement. Salvem la Capa says publishing documents online is no substitute for an information and consultation process that allows people to take part effectively.