Download Save The Waves - Eco-Warriors Tackle Spain

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Save The Waves - Eco-Warriors Tackle Spain
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Friday, 16 November 2007
Last Updated Friday, 16 November 2007
'Eco-Warriors' James Pribram and Will Henry went to Spain in late
October, accompanied by Dean LaTourrette, executive director of Save
The Waves Coalition. Sent by XS Energy Drinks, the group's mission was
to raise awareness about Spain's endangered surf spots, most of which
lie on the undeveloped coastline of Asturias in Northern Spain.
Rodiles, often described as "Mundaka's little sister," is in danger of
being destroyed by a new marina and dredging project at the river's
mouth. Nearby, in Gijón, a massive port is being made even larger, and
the new seawall will block swell to at least five surf breaks.
The Eco-Warriors appeared on television three times, as well as in the
local newspapers, to make their plea. They told the public that waves
are a valuable environmental, social and economic commodity, and
brought up the example of Mundaka Bay - which was at that time hosting
the Mundaka Pro, an official WCT world surfing tour event - as an
example of what might happen if development continues. Mundaka Bay,
considered one of the best waves in all Europe, disappeared for two
seasons early this decade after an ill-fated dredging project altered
the sand flow patterns at the river's mouth. The contest was cancelled,
and the temporary loss of the wave dealt a severe blow to the local
economy.
Will Henry hopes that the visit made non-surfers in Spain more aware of
the high value of a prime surf spot. "People often don't understand
what they're losing until it's too late," stated Henry, who is also the
founder of Save the Waves. "Each of these surf spots is one of a kind
and irreplaceable. It's like filling Yosemite National Park in with
concrete."
The group also visited Mundaka Bay to view the thriving contest scene
and take in the beautiful sites of the Spanish coast. Save the Waves is
currently conducting a research study in conjunction with Oregon State
University, to determine the value of the surfing wave in Mundaka to
the local economy.
For more information:
www.savethewaves.org
www.eco-warrior.org
http://www.wannasurf.com/community
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