Formentera promises to develop pact for climate and local energy

foto-signatura-conveni1Consell de Formentera president Alejandra Ferrer sat down in Palma today with the Balearic government's vice-president and minister of the energy transition and productive sectors, Juan Pedro Yllanes, with both officials putting their signatures on an agreement to develop the European mayors' covenant for the climate and energy transition on Formentera. Entry into the covenant means a voluntary pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions and create action plans to combat climate change.

The two administrations pledge to work together to get Formentera on board with measures for local entities and territorial coordinators under the European Commission's Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy.

In Formentera's case, the Consell must put forward the technical and strategic means to create and develop the 2030 Action Plan for Sustainable Energy and Climate. The plan calls for minimum 40% cuts of CO2 emissions; increased resilience in the face of climate change and greater cooperation between local and regional authorities to improve access to safe, sustainable and affordable energy.

For its part, the Balearic Ministry for Energy Transition and Productive Sectors commits to supporting Formentera's entry into the mayors' covenant and offering the local government technical and strategic assistance in the endeavour.

President Ferrer said she was excited about the day's signing, calling it "a clearly-worded pledge by each of the four islands to combat climate change". She asserted "agreements like this one are crucial to unifying our climate strategy in the Mediterranean", describing the area as "acutely vulnerable" and highlighting Formentera's historic place on the forefront of sustainability and the energy transition. "Signing this pledge puts us in the position to continue pushing forward bold action", Ferrer said.

Neither administration faces financial imperatives under the agreement, though both promise to dedicate manpower and materials. Related costs are the responsibility of each administration.

The Balearic Ministry of Energy Transition and Productive Sectors and Consell de Formentera agree to honour the pact for a period of four years, and to consider its extension upon term. The agreement also envisions subsequent follow-up, monitoring and assessment by a special commission. Meeting at least once a year, the group will be responsible for approving an annual action plan and evaluating related measures.  
Covenant of Balearic Mayors

Climate change and energy legislation passed 22 February 2019 anticipates the Balearic Islands' adherence to the Covenant of Mayors. The bill requires the Govern balear to support municipal bids to join the Covenant and puts municipalities on the hook for passing climate and energy action plans according to EU methodology.

The European Commission's Covenant of Mayors was solidified in 2008 to support the efforts of local authorities in enacting climate and sustainable energy policies. Joining the Covenant of Mayors means a voluntary commitment to cutting greenhouse gases and developing climate change resilience.  


20 November 2019
Department of Communication
Consell de Formentera