Tag Archives: Economy

New call to curb touristic overcrowding in Menorca

Views: 84

A huge thank you to the more than 500 people who gathered in the streets of Maó to demand a change of course for our island.

Every April, as the tourist season begins, we witness the same spiral of resource consumption, overcrowding, and traffic congestion from tourist vehicles. Our protest campaigns continue because, even after another year, we are still waiting for effective action from the Island Council of Menorca to prevent a growing collapse.

Continue reading New call to curb touristic overcrowding in Menorca →

Towards an agroecological transition: a new alliance in Menorca

Views: 65

During February, GOB Menorca’s Land Stewardship team, the San Crispín Cooperative, and Rayën Agronomic Solutions organized several meetings aimed at promoting an alliance for the agroecological transition of Menorca’s agricultural sector. These discussions culminated in an early March co-creation workshop, where the foundations for an agroecological transition alliance were established.

The process involved representatives from public administration, organizations, and key actors from the agricultural and commercial sectors. Through open, participatory, and cross-sector dialogue, key challenges were identified, and common perspectives were shared to lay the groundwork for the Alliance.

Continue reading Towards an agroecological transition: a new alliance in Menorca →

On Menorca’s tourism carrying capacity

Views: 104

Recently, details have emerged about the study on tourism carrying capacity commissioned by the Consell Insular de Menorca. The study proposes increasing the number of tourist accommodations across the island, including in traditional towns, tourist areas, and even rural land.

This is a serious concern, as the study is being used to justify lifting the current tourism moratorium. The GOB has released an initial response highlighting key issues.

Continue reading On Menorca’s tourism carrying capacity →

New Land Stewardship agreement for vegetable garden lands

Views: 74

Just a year ago, S’Hortet de s’Algar was born on a plot of land in eastern Menorca that had long been abandoned. With passion and hard work, this project has flourished into a thriving, sustainable farm producing healthy food while caring for both the land and the people.

Now, S’Hortet de s’Algar has joined the Custòdia Agrària program of GOB Menorca, committing to farming without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers through regenerative agriculture techniques. The farm is currently in a transition period, awaiting its official organic certification.

Continue reading New Land Stewardship agreement for vegetable garden lands →

Appeal to enforce environmental conditions in Fornells Port

Views: 88

The redevelopment of Fornells Port, which includes an increase in the number of moorings, is subject to environmental conditions that remain unresolved. The installation of ecological buoys in nearby coves, as well as the delimitation and management of the anchoring zone, has no foreseeable execution in the short term. In response, GOB has submitted an appeal to the Posidonia Committee and Ports IB.

Continue reading Appeal to enforce environmental conditions in Fornells Port →

Letter to the irritated President

Views: 39

Mr. Vilafranca,

Following the protest organized by GOB at the Plenary Session of the Island Council, you made statements that hardly seem fitting for an institutional president.

It is likely that your words were influenced by the tension of seeing dozens of people express their disagreement with the proposals your team brought to the session. In any case, we would like to offer a few comments.

Continue reading Letter to the irritated President →

Alliance for a sustainable agricultural sector

Views: 52

During the first half of February, the Agrarian Custody team and the San Crispín Cooperative organized three focus groups to promote an alliance for transitioning the agricultural sector towards an agroecological and sustainable model.

These meetings have involved various stakeholders from administration, organizations, and agricultural businesses. Another session will soon be held with actors from the commercialization sector. These discussions have brought to light shared perspectives and valuable contributions across multiple areas, helping to identify many of the common needs of Menorca’s agricultural sector.

Continue reading Alliance for a sustainable agricultural sector →

The loophole of exoneration

Views: 48

In our winter, the grass is green. The combination of periodic rainfall, humidity-laden dew, and limited direct sunlight keeps Menorca’s fields lush. Many annual plants take advantage of this season to thrive.

Alongside the ancient dry-stone walls, built piece by piece, a rich variety of wild vegetation finds refuge, safe from the plow’s path. This creates an essential habitat for wildlife, offering shelter among shrubs, trees, and countless crevices between the stones.

Continue reading The loophole of exoneration →

The consultant behind illegal swimming pools is drafting Menorca’s Territorial Plan

Views: 63

The two known cases of illegal swimming pools in Menorca’s agritourism establishments share a common link: the same environmental consultancy. Now, the Consell Insular has entrusted this firm with drafting the environmental section of the revision of the Island Territorial Plan (PTI). GOB Menorca considers this a major credibility crisis.

Continue reading The consultant behind illegal swimming pools is drafting Menorca’s Territorial Plan →