PRE-ACTIVITY SPAIN

Issue 1: Massive destructive tourism

The growth in tourism in Malaga has brought the development of infrastructure and the economy. However, it has led to several issues that ought to be addressed. The most worrying one is the impact on nature. The typical Spanish forest has been cut in order to build tourist apartments, hotels, bars and so on. Moreover, it has also affected sea animals, which are contaminated with plastics. Several dolphins have been found stuck on the sea shore and the local fishing industry has suffered its consequences.

Furthermore, rents near tourist areas have exponentially increased. Because of this, local residents have to move away from their homes, and local businesses have to shut down.

Proposed Solution:

Malaga has proposed a plan to the EU which has invested nearly 8 million euros to move tourists from overcrowded areas to local areas. To reduce pollution, they planned to build bike lanes connecting local towns, make more charging stations, and promote living in those areas.

Issue 2: Antiquated methods in the educational system.

In Spain, the educational rating system is based on learning by heart almost the whole syllabus. There is a lack of practical experiences which are essential for a student. Moreover, there are several differences in the level of education between provinces, even more between rural and countryside areas.

Also in Spain there is the "selectividad" which is the national evaluation that enables you to get into universities which is very unfair as it is different in each province.

Proposed Solution:

The government has tried to make an equal, unique national exam. However, it has not been approved and the situation is still the same.

Issue 3: Young people have difficulties with their jobs (Young unemployment)

The main problem of young people after finishing university is not finding a job related to their studies, it is because there are none or you need an experience you don't have because you are starting your laboral life. Even if they find it is usually underpaid, undervalued and sometimes they take advantage of them. This has led to a really worrying issue, the emigration of well-prepared youngsters to other European countries. Spain needs professionals to develop and improve its society in order to advance.

Proposed Solution:

• Malaga decided to solve this problem years ago by bringing international companies into the city and making it attractive to the young sector to stay in the area.
• For the experience: volunteering work or some certificates.
• Remote work