The Gipuzkoa General Assemblies have unanimously approved a resolution that includes several proposals from the Eibarko Mendiak Bizirik platform against the Basalgo wind farm project. The text urges the Basque Government and the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, along with other competent institutions, to analyze and respond with justification to the allegations presented, weighing the environmental, social, landscape, economic, heritage, and biodiversity impacts on the area.
Furthermore, the Basque Government is requested to finalize the processing and definitive approval of the Territorial Sectorial Plan for Renewable Energies of Euskadi, under which the Basalgo area would be considered of 'low aptitude'. Institutions are also called upon to protect and guarantee the water cycle in the area affected by the project.
The citizen platform has highlighted the firm opposition shown by the parties represented in the Eibar City Council to the Basalgo project and the resolution from the General Assemblies. However, this reinforces the platform's ongoing efforts, and they are already preparing new initiatives for the upcoming autumn to promote the natural and cultural heritage of the Basalgo area and advance the project's paralysis by Arena Green Power.
The resolution also appeals to the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa to continue promoting the protection of agricultural and forest land, and urges both the Provincial Council and the Basque Government to defend the open social participation of citizens and all stakeholders affected by energy projects planned in Gipuzkoa.
The Eibarko Mendiak Bizirik platform has expressed gratitude for the presence of the mayor of Eibar, Jon Iraola, and the councilors and deputy mayor, who participated in the General Assemblies, where the project faced significant criticism.
The numerous errors and omissions identified in the project presented by Arena Green Power, as well as the social, biodiversity, landscape, cultural, and heritage impacts that would result from the installation of six macro-wind turbines and the associated extensive civil works, formed the basis of the resolution proposal presented by Elkarrekin-Podemos.
Another key point in the fight to halt the Basalgo project concerns historical heritage. The Culture, Cooperation, Youth, and Sport Commission of the General Assemblies will address a resolution proposal to urge the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa to initiate proceedings to designate the Civil War defensive spaces and structures in the environment of Kalamua, Akondia, Arrate, Topinburu, Illordo, and Intxorta as a Cultural Asset of Medium Protection.
