The controversy arose during the Environment Week celebrations in the municipality. During these events, the council decided to recognize the nautical entity's work as a benchmark for sustainability, a move that has been harshly criticized by sectors who believe this distinction does not reflect the environmental impact caused by motor vessels.
Critics point out that the fuel consumption of yachts, as well as waste management and noise pollution, are incompatible with the values such an award should promote. They argue that the council should have considered other local issues, such as massive construction or the lack of improvements in public transport, before granting this award.
“"If the council considers the Yacht Club to be the most sustainable company in the municipality, they either haven't understood anything about the talk on nature, or their bar for sustainability is very low."
Although the nautical entity does carry out less polluting activities, such as rowing or small-boat sailing, detractors insist that the award is an example of 'greenwashing'. The Xàbia City Council maintains its position on the appropriateness of the recognition, while citizens continue to debate the true environmental priorities for the town in the Marina Alta region.
