Listening or Hearing

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When the flower is full of nectar, the plant emits a specific vibration, inaudible to the human ear but perfectly detectable by certain insects. It is the call for a visit that will nourish the cycle of life. For this to happen, there must be no noise that hides the virtuous frequency that allows communication in nature.

We have long known that there are animals that communicate with sounds too low or too high to be directly noticed by us. The low notes of elephants travel kilometres across the savanna. Sperm whales emit a repeated burst, a kind of crackling sound, with distinct characteristics depending on the area where they usually live, much like our languages.

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The Wildlife Recovery Centre closes 2025 with a 14.1% increase in animal admissions

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Once again, the Wildlife Recovery Centre of Menorca —operating under an agreement between GOB Menorca and the Consortium for Wildlife Recovery (COFIB), under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment of the Balearic Government— presents in its 2025 Report the annual summary of the work carried out. A year full of challenges and dedication to the conservation of the island’s native fauna, concluding with 84 species admitted, 70 of which correspond to wild animals.

The total number of admitted animals increases year after year, and 2025 closed with 1,473 admissions, 14.1% more than in 2024. Of these, 1,425 were wild animals, highlighting the important work carried out at the Centre in caring for injured or vulnerable island wildlife. At the same time, educational and awareness-raising efforts have continued to promote appropriate coexistence with our environment, so that wildlife can be enjoyed with respect and care.

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Let’s Recover the Port of Maó

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Four civic organisations have joined forces to present a document with management proposals for the Port of Maó, aimed at putting a stop to the environmental, heritage and social conflicts taking place there. Next Thursday, the 5th, at 7 pm, the document will be presented to the public with a talk by Joan Alemany and interventions from the four associations. The event will take place at the Ateneu de Maó.

In recent decades, the pressure of tourist activity has grown rapidly in the Port of Maó. The dynamics and pace of growth threaten to fully colonise port spaces, both on land and at sea.

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The Rafal Rubí documents

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In relation to the controversy over the works at Rafal Rubí, GOB wishes to recall that UNESCO has spoken very clearly about the documentation that the Island Council sent regarding the road works. There is no doubt that an opinion was issued on the information sent from Menorca.

The international body clearly warned that the indication was that the works already begun should be dismantled as soon as possible.

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Rerouting the Camí de Cavalls in Addaia

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In February 2021, five years ago now, three environmental organisations working in the Balearic Islands, two of them focused on Menorca, formally requested that the Island Council modify a section of the Camí de Cavalls that crosses the middle of the former salt flats of Addaia. These organisations are GOB, Societat Ornitològica de Menorca (SOM) and Societat Espanyola d’Ornitologia (SEO-Virot Balears).

The letter recalled the protection figures that apply to this area: Natural Park, ANEI with a high level of protection and the Natura 2000 Network (SCI and SPA). This protection is due to its great landscape and environmental value.

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February 26, the challenge of waste management, up for debate at the Ateneu de Maó

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The fourth and final round table in the «Viure dins del dònut» [«Living within the doughnut»] debate series at the Ateneu de Maó will focus on waste management. This genuine collective challenge is a key element in moving towards more sustainable and responsible models. The session will address the future prospects of island waste management, the role of the three Rs reduce, reuse and recycle and innovative local upcycling initiatives.

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A flamingo shared with France

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From the port of Toulon, ships depart all summer long full of tourists heading to Menorca. Some end up settling on the island. A few kilometres from that same French coast lies the Camargue delta, where one flamingo has made the opposite journey.

In August 2014, people found a young flamingo, still with greyish plumage, showing signs of exhaustion near Son Saura del Sud. It probably became disoriented during its migratory journey, as it had no injuries. It received care at the Wildlife Recovery Centre, where it stayed for a month to recover.

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Dangerous land

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The theory of no man’s land began as a somewhat rudimentary slogan, but it soon took root because of the usefulness it could offer at particular moments. Circumstances condition many things. When more developed societies carried out the occupation of other territories, it was necessary to dress it up with justification.

The strategy was to argue that no one was using that land. Without ploughing or sowing, it seemed abandoned. It was not difficult to spread the idea of lands that held no interest for those who had arrived previously. A line of reasoning that was very successful, to the misfortune of those who were already living there.

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The territorial corrupt practices of Menorca in carnival version

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Many people took part last Sunday in the carnival troupe organised within the framework of the Via Menorca campaign.

An initial group, dressed in suits and ties, carrying briefcases and documents, offered favourable reports and licences while €500 notes were exchanged. There was also a spectacular swimming pool (or perhaps it was a cistern?). A large roundabout related to Talayotic Menorca was also present, as well as several pages of the Island Territorial Plan.

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Conscientious Ecology