Tag Archives: Sustainability

Activities in support of the Port of Maó

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The ‘Recuperem el Port de Maó’ (“Let’s Restore the Port of Maó”) campaign has organised a wide-ranging programme of activities that will continue throughout summer and autumn, with the aim of showcasing the natural, heritage, cultural and social values of the Port of Maó, as well as raising public awareness about the pressures that threaten this unique space.

The programme combines outreach, culture, citizen participation and photography, with proposals designed to help residents rediscover the port, engage with it and strengthen their connection to it. Talks, guided routes, boat trips, workshops, glosat performances, music and exhibitions make up a diverse offer that invites people to view the bay from new perspectives and to highlight its heritage.

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The Government lowers water safeguards in new developments

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The requirement to obtain a Water Resources report guaranteeing sufficient water supply for new urban developments has just been reduced by the Balearic Government. The move poses a particular threat to Menorca, where most water bodies are overexploited or contaminated. GOB considers the measure unconstitutional.

The new Law 4/2026 on urgent measures to accelerate strategic projects, also known as the omnibus law, approved by Parliament with the votes of PP and Vox on 26 May 2026, includes an additional provision allowing municipalities to approve or develop urban planning without requesting a prior water sufficiency report from the Directorate General for Water Resources.

This measure weakens the main environmental control over urban growth at the worst possible time. The so-called “strategic projects” law is also a strategy to try to unblock developments that are currently stalled due to reports stating that there is not enough water available.

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Manifesto against Overcrowding and Proposals for Course Correction

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Many people have asked to see the analysis of the issues that was read at last Saturday’s gathering on the 13th at the Biosphere Square, as well as the proposals that were put forward.

In response to this repeated request, we are providing the full text that was read. We hope it will help clarify concepts, improve conversations and seek real solutions.

We also hope it will help counter repeated attempts to divert attention to other issues, or to show that this is not an all-or-nothing debate. We are calling for limits to be placed on certain dynamics that are getting out of control and generating multiple negative effects.

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Via Menorca demonstration, also against precariousness

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On Saturday the 13th we will also attend the demonstration at Plaça de la Biosfera to protest against the growing economic precariousness. As tourism volume has increased, the island’s GDP per capita has decreased. We are on a path that does not point to a pleasant future, and a change of direction must be demanded.

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Cala Galdana: ending impunity

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For many years, the stream at Cala Galdana has suffered repeated pollution discharges. Numerous inspections have been carried out by different monitoring and enforcement bodies, yet the source of the periodic spills that alter the colour and smell of the water flowing from the Algendar ravine has still not been identified.

It is urgent that the municipalities of Ferreries and Ciutadella excavate inspection trenches along both sides of the stream and intercept any pipelines that do not serve a public purpose. Only then will it be possible to identify those responsible and put an end to the current situation of impunity.

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Esteim fartes! [We are fed up!] New Via Menorca T-shirt

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Via Menorca calls on the ants to leave the anthill and defend the island from pressure and threats. A campaign T-shirt has been produced.

We would like to remind everyone that the rally will take place on Saturday 13 June in front of the Menorca Island Council, at Plaça Biosfera, at 7.30 pm.

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Residents 1, Urban developments 0 – 13/06/26

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It is difficult to get people who are spending a few days on holiday to understand that the place they are visiting has water problems. Perhaps they could get an idea if the surrounding context suggested it, but that is not the case.

The progressive loss of drinking water in Menorca is directly related to the economic development model that is being promoted. The resident population is making efforts to reduce consumption, but spending is increasing in tourist areas.

On Saturday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m., a protest action has been called in Biosphere Square in Maó. A great deal is at stake for the immediate future. Please help spread the call.

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Sustainable distortion

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Almost 40 years have passed since the concept of sustainable development was spread worldwide by the United Nations. However, fears about the distortion of the term have gradually come true, and there are still people who equate it with sustained growth.

Ancient philosophers already said that when words lose their meaning, citizens lose their freedom.

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So Na Parets Vives joins Custòdia Agrària

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Custòdia Agrària, GOB Menorca’s land stewardship programme continues to grow. This May, it welcomes a new farm: So Na Parets Vives, an organic livestock project focused on artisanal goat cheese production and the regenerative management of the land.

The farm is located in the municipality of Ciutadella and covers an area of approximately 30 hectares. Its main productive model is organic goat farming with Murciano-Granadina breed goats (although there are also pigs and cows).

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Pere Fraga: “The landscape around us is the best school of gardening”

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We speak with Pere Fraga i Arguimbau, botanist and expert in the flora of Menorca. Fraga is one of the co-authors of the Manual de jardineria sostenible i amb planta autòctona, per a una illa com Menorca (Sustainable Gardening and Native Plants Manual for an island such as Menorca), the latest publication by GOB Menorca, recently presented in Maó, Ferreries, and Ciutadella, and one of the organization’s highlighted new releases this Sant Jordi. We take this opportunity to talk about the manual and to ask him for some basic recommendations on how to apply the principles of sustainable gardening to home gardens and terraces.

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