Posted on November 8, 2025
The Balearic Islands are taking an important step towards reshaping their economy with the submission of a new report calling for a transition from over-reliance on tourism to a more diversified and sustainable economic model. The report issued by the environmental group GOB, “The impact of socio-ecological transformation on employment in the Balearic Islands: a proposal for degrowth”sets out a ten-year plan that envisions the island moving away from its dependence on the tourism industry, which has long been the backbone of its economy.
The report, which runs more than a hundred pages and was compiled over two years, aims to provide a new perspective on the future of the Balearic Islands. It provides a framework to promote economic diversification while ensuring sustainability. Rather than continuing down the path of tourism monoculture, the proposal proposes a shift towards industries such as renewable energy, organic agriculture, and green industries. According to the report, this transformation is vital to the islands’ ability to withstand in the long term and reduce economic vulnerability and environmental pressures.
Freedom from the grip of tourism
Tourism has been a cornerstone of the Balearic Islands’ economy for decades. However, the report highlights the risks associated with an economy built around a single industry, especially one that is vulnerable to global disruptions such as tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of how fragile this model is, as the islands witnessed a sharp decline in tourism, exposing their vulnerability to external shocks.
The report finds that while tourism continues to play a crucial role, the future growth of the islands cannot rely solely on this sector. It calls for diversifying the economy by developing industries that are more sustainable and less vulnerable to global fluctuations. Areas such as food production, renewable energy and green industries are highlighted as key opportunities for economic growth. These sectors not only promise environmental benefits, but also offer the potential for job creation and economic stability.
Building a more resilient economy
One of the main objectives of the report is to reduce the economic vulnerability of the islands. By diversifying into sectors that promote sustainability, the Balearic Islands can create a more resilient and balanced economy. For example, a push toward organic agriculture and renewable energy could reduce the region’s dependence on imported resources and create local industries that are in line with global sustainability trends.
In addition, the report emphasizes the importance of creating new job opportunities in these emerging sectors. He points out that these jobs can be more stable and provide better working conditions than the low-paid seasonal workers found in the tourism sector. By providing stable employment opportunities in green industries, the Balearic Islands can build a stronger labor market that is less dependent on the whims of international travel.
Rethinking work and quality of life
In addition to economic diversification, the report also suggests a shift in the way employment is distributed across different sectors. The concept of a 30-hour workweek by 2035 is proposed as a way to improve work-life balance for residents while supporting the transition to a more sustainable economy. This reduction in working hours would allow local residents to focus on sectors outside tourism, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable economy.
The idea of a shorter working week is also linked to a broader vision of improving the quality of life for the people of the Balearic Islands. Instead of the current focus on maximizing economic output through long working hours, the report calls for a shift towards a society in which sustainability and quality of life are prioritized over economic growth at all costs. This would also help alleviate the pressures of high housing costs and rising rents exacerbated by the influx of seasonal workers and tourists.
A green and sustainable future
Looking beyond tourism, the report envisions an economy rooted in green industries, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By focusing on these sectors, the Balearic Islands can reduce their environmental footprint, create new jobs, and attract investment in future industries. The region’s abundance of natural resources, including solar and wind power, make it a prime candidate for renewable energy production, further contributing to its sustainability goals.
The green economy proposition is not just about environmental benefits. It is also about creating a more equitable society. By investing in sustainable industries, islands can generate wealth and jobs that benefit local residents, rather than relying on the seasonal influx of tourism dollars that often does little to improve residents’ long-term economic prospects.
A call for change
The report is a call to action for local leaders, businesses and residents to engage in dialogue about the future of the Balearic Islands. He realizes that such a major transformation will require cooperation between all sectors of society. Policymakers, businesses and the general public must all contribute to ensuring the success of the proposed transition towards a more diversified and sustainable economy.
Although the road ahead will not be without challenges, the report offers a hopeful vision for the future. By reducing the region’s dependence on tourism, fostering new industries, and enhancing sustainability, the Balearic Islands can create a more resilient, diversified, and sustainable economy – one that is better equipped to meet future challenges and provide a higher quality of life for its residents.
Conclusion: The path to sustainability and prosperity
in conclusion, “Degrowth proposal” Presents a bold vision for the future of the Balearic Islands. It proposes an economy that no longer relies on a monocultural tourism culture but embraces diversification through green industries and sustainable practices. With a focus on reducing working hours and improving quality of life, the report provides a roadmap for a more resilient and balanced economy that is economically viable and environmentally sustainable. This transformation will require ongoing dialogue, but it is a necessary step towards securing the future of the islands.
