Tag Archives: Economy

Innovative Projects to be discussed at the Ateneu

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Starting on Thursday 3 February is a new series of round table discussion organised by the Maó Ateneu and GOB with the help of the Menorca Preservation Fund. On Thursday we will focus on publicizing innovative projects that aim to raise European Next Generation funds for their execution. These are ideas that can become opportunities in the future for Menorca, opening new economic development lines that can be important both from a social and environmental point of view. The discussions can be attended in person at the Ateneu or can be followed through you tube Continue reading Innovative Projects to be discussed at the Ateneu

Hampers of Land Stewardship Scheme products

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For the Christmas Season we are selling gift baskets of local items, with the added value of being sustainably produced, going much further than our table. You can personalise the contents or choose one of the three options pictured above. They make a perfect choice for a healthy and natural gift that brings a closeness to friends, family or business. Continue reading Hampers of Land Stewardship Scheme products

Land Stewardship Scheme as a solution

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Just three months ago on 29 July, we entered a global ecological deficit. It was called the Earth Overshoot Day 2021. That means that all the resources that we have consumed in the world since that date cannot be regenerated and we are going into the accumulated natural reserves that are diminishing at an alarming rate. It also refers to the pollution produced that cannot now be absorbed into the biosphere.

That organisation that annually calculates when Overshoot Day is reached has chosen 100 initiatives for the entire world that can help delay the date. The solution that they proposed is one that we promote from GOB: the Land Stewardship Scheme.

Specifically, a study has been done on the ecological footprint from the production of beef in the Land Stewardship Farms. They have taken into account factors such as the type of food given to the cattle – if produced on the same farm or, if imported, the distance covered; if the cows are out to pasture or are in cattle sheds etc; the energy resources consumed by the farms – electricity, fuel- and the use of fertilizers amongst other things.

The result has been that the production of beef on Land Stewardship Scheme farms has an ecological footprint up to 64% less than the national average. This is a really significant difference that comes from two factors.

The first factor is the resources consumed with each type of production and the associated pollution. To produce a kilo of beef from the Land Stewardship Scheme requires 15% less in financial resources than that required by conventionally produced meat. This contradicts the theory that to produce organic meat extensively is more costly than by intensive farming.

The second factor is the Land Stewardship Scheme itself. It is that much of the land for the Land Stewardship Scheme would not be considered by conventional farming as giving optimal production value. Land Stewardship farms take advantage of the mosaic landscape that combines cultivated land with areas of wild vegetation for agricultural production. The livestock eats partly from wild pasture roaming through wooded areas and scrubland. Furthermore, this type of management does not deplete the biodiversity but rather encourages it.

In this way, the consequence is not only the kilo of meat that is produced but also there are additional positive results such as the capture of carbon coming from the vegetation of the managed areas.

As consumers, all of us have the possibility to encourage the type of food that respects the ability of regenerating the World. Bear this in mind when you go shopping.

You can consult the available products of the Land Stewardship Scheme sold direct on https://www.gobmenorca.com/productescustodia. You can learn more about the program by watching the videos listed on our You Tube Channel.

You can see news on the Global Footprint network website.

The calculation of the ecological footprint for the production of beef has been possible thanks to the economic support of the MAVA Foundation within the Foodnected project.

Friday 24 September: song for the climate

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In relation to the international conference on climate change, Menorca has organised an event for people to participate in singing and in the reading of a manifesto. This will be on Friday 24 September at 19.00 in the patio area at the back of Sant Francesc in Mahon with the music of Bella Ciao, with lyrics adapted for the Island. Continue reading Friday 24 September: song for the climate

Menorca already exceeds its available boating capacity

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The General Plan of the Balearic Ports has been accompanied by an obligatory study for the available boating capacity in Menorca. The resulting figures have surpassed reality for some years. The data, available at an official level, ought to make port managers and companies with nautical links rethink their activities. Menorca should supply good service, attention and repairs but not increase its number of moorings. Continue reading Menorca already exceeds its available boating capacity

Time to impose limits

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Effects linked to the pandemic have provoked a sudden change in the type of tourism. Fewer people require an all-inclusive holiday at a hotel with swimming pool, now there are more who come independently wanting to go to the coves, squares and restaurants. That is roughly how it has been and enough has been talked about it. However, let us profit by analysing the matter further. Continue reading Time to impose limits