Being a big-name celebrity like Lionel Messi comes with some pretty cool perks. Imagine having nice cars, private jets, designer clothes, and even your own personal No-Fly Zone around your $7-million mansion! While not every famous person has these luxuries, Messi, the Argentinian soccer star, certainly does. But why does he have a No-Fly Zone? The answer might surprise you!
Messi’s eco-friendly home is in Gava, a town about 6 miles from Barcelona’s main airport, El Prat. His estate is actually preventing the airport from expanding because planes are forbidden from flying over it. But this isn’t just because Messi is famous. It’s all about Spanish law.
Messi’s home is in an area protected by environmental laws. These laws include restrictions on noise levels to protect the natural wildlife. Because of this, El Prat Airport can’t add a new runway near Gava, and planes must fly towards the sea when leaving the airport. Luckily for Messi, Gava is west of the airport, so he’s well-protected from airplane noise!
No-Fly Zones help preserve environmentally protected areas, historical sites, and sometimes the homes of famous people. Messi’s home isn’t the only No-Fly Zone. Here are some other places where planes can’t fly over:
Some countries don’t even have airports! Here are a few:
On the flip side, some countries have a lot of airports. Here are the top six:
Which of these places would you like to visit? Have you been to any of them? Let me know in the comments!
Research a No-Fly Zone in your country or another country of your choice. Create a short presentation explaining why this area is protected and how it benefits the environment or society. Share your findings with the class.
Design a model of an eco-friendly home like Messi’s. Use recycled materials to build your model and explain how your design helps protect the environment. Present your model to the class and discuss the importance of eco-friendly living.
Participate in a class debate on whether celebrities should have special privileges like No-Fly Zones. Prepare arguments for both sides and engage in a respectful discussion with your classmates.
Using a world map, locate and mark the countries mentioned in the article that do not have airports. Research how people travel to and from these countries and present your findings to the class.
Write a short story imagining a day in the life of Lionel Messi, focusing on the perks and challenges of having a No-Fly Zone around his home. Share your story with the class and discuss how fame can impact daily life.
Location – The specific place or position where something is situated on Earth. – The location of the Amazon Rainforest is primarily in Brazil, but it also extends into several other South American countries.
Environment – The natural world, including the land, water, air, plants, and animals, especially as it is affected by human activity. – Protecting the environment is crucial to ensure clean air and water for future generations.
Wildlife – Animals and plants that live and grow in natural conditions. – The national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, deer, and numerous bird species.
Laws – Rules made by a government to protect the environment and regulate human activities. – Environmental laws are designed to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.
Protected – Preserved from harm or destruction, often by legal means. – The wetlands are protected areas to ensure the survival of many rare bird species.
Zones – Specific areas that are designated for particular purposes, such as conservation or development. – The city has established several green zones to promote urban biodiversity.
Countries – Nations with their own governments, occupying a particular territory. – Many countries are working together to address global environmental challenges like climate change.
Airports – Facilities where aircraft take off and land, often impacting the surrounding environment. – Airports need to manage their operations carefully to minimize noise pollution in nearby communities.
Noise – Unwanted or harmful sound that can disturb humans and wildlife. – Noise from traffic and construction can disrupt the natural habitats of animals living in urban areas.
Heritage – Valuable cultural and natural features passed down from previous generations. – The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique marine biodiversity.
