Botanical Garden in Palma: Zoo, Aquarium, Culture — and What the City Shouldn't Say

Botanical Garden in Palma: Zoo, Aquarium, Culture — and What the City Shouldn't Say

Main question: Should public green spaces primarily remain places for education and relaxation or become multifunctional event areas?

Last week brought the surprising news: the island council handed over the areas for the new Botanical Garden to the city. Shortly afterwards the building authority amended the planning requirements. What had been a pure plant park suddenly became a multi-project — with options for greenhouses, lecture rooms, a seed bank, but also a zoo, an aquarium and large events. On paper that sounds ambitious. On the promenade and in parks like Parc de les Vies, where morning joggers run along the road Son Fusteret and swimmers at the Son Hugo pool do their laps, another question arises quickly: What does this concretely mean for the neighborhood?

Critical analysis: Expanding the permitted uses creates flexibility for planners but also brings several unresolved problems. A zoo or an aquarium place very different demands on infrastructure, traffic and resources than a botanical teaching and recreation site. Aquariums are water-intensive, zoos require special housing conditions, staff and ongoing costs. Events and conferences, in turn, mean noise peaks, parking pressure and commercial involvement. The announced goals like science, education and ‘green urban development’ remain vague as long as there are no binding requirements on animal welfare, water management, noise limits and visitor numbers.

What is missing in the public debate: current statements speak of an ‘international’ garden, auditoriums, a seed bank and the renovation of a historic building (two million euros are budgeted for Ses Cases des Retiro). More concrete missing points are: Who will cover the long-term operating costs? Are there independent studies on environmental impacts? Which species would be intended for the zoo or aquarium — would the city keep imported animals or promote local species? How will water demand be met in dry years? And not least: How will residents' rights be protected during large events?

Everyday scene from Palma: Anyone who takes bus 1 at Plaça Espanya in the morning sees families with prams strolling toward Parc de les Vies, sees older people sitting on benches feeding pigeons. On a Saturday afternoon the area around Son Fusteret turns into a spot for dog trainers, walkers and street vendors. These user groups need calm, shade and short routes — not additional parking areas and event noise that attract visitors from afar.

Concrete solutions: Before the first excavation begins, the city should adopt a number of binding measures. First: an environmental impact assessment (EIA) focusing on water balance, traffic analysis and compatibility with adjacent residential areas. Second: clear usage zones within the project — a strict separation concept between sensitive plant areas, educational spaces and potential event zones. Third: strict criteria for animal keeping (if allowed at all), based on scientific standards and regional suitability; for marine installations, mandatory water replacement and recycling solutions. Fourth: a transparent financing model — operation as a public, non-commercial institute with citizen participation and a scientific advisory board that monitors minimum standards. Fifth: a traffic concept with shuttles, bicycle parking and reduced car parking, coupled with noise and visitor limits for events.

Notable detail: The plans foresee two sites — Parc de les Vies near Son Fusteret and Ses Cases des Retiro by La Bonanova, close to Castell de Bellver. The proximity to the historic castle in particular requires special protection of the landscape axis and nearby protected trees, and consideration of visitor flows. That the city wants to launch an ideas competition this year and expects construction work in 2027 makes the timeline tight — but it is also an opportunity to clarify questions openly, transparently and based on science.

Punchy conclusion: A great botanical garden can enrich Palma — as a place of learning, retreat and research. But it must not become a collection point for arbitrary large-scale projects. Anyone who wants a zoo or a large aquarium here must explain how animal welfare, water, traffic and neighborhood protection will be secured permanently. Otherwise a green vision risks turning into a tourist attraction park — with noise, traffic and costs borne by residents and the city budget. Now the city is called upon: plan transparently, set clear rules and involve local people in the process and restore trust after controversial tree removals.