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The romantic failure sung about in la balada d’en Lucas (Lucas’s ballad) includes a lament for the loss of values and identity that tourism-driven development caused on the Costa Brava. It is a song sung with deep feeling in Menorca as well, a land that is also being harmed by the impact of mass tourism.

On Saturday, 13 June, a protest event is being organised against the direction the island has been taking in recent times. No one who wants a dignified future for Menorca should be missing.

This land is the last stronghold of the western Mediterranean coast. A place that has managed to preserve a large part of its landscapes, but which is running out of water and homes to live in.

An island that chose to become a Biosphere Reserve and now sees how this title is used solely to promote tourism more than ever. Where the best-known beaches are at 300% or 400% of their maximum capacity. Where the Island Council does not want to apply the legal capacity it has to limit tourist vehicles.

It is essential for citizens to mobilise to demand a change of course, a decisive shift that brings Menorca back to the path of sustainability rather than limitless exploitation.

This must be a struggle for the island, with the population united and mobilised for a single reason: the future of Menorca.

A stirring runs through the island. The ants have set out.

Please help spread the word about the call for Saturday, 13 June. At Plaça Biosfera in Maó, at 7:30 pm. Pass it on. Thank you.