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Do you love nature and want to spend time outdoors while contributing to an important cause? Every spring, a group of passionate volunteers interested in agriculture and biodiversity heads out into the Menorcan countryside to monitor bioindicators on farms participating in the Custòdia Agrària (Agri-environmental Stewardship) program.
The goal? To show how sustainable farming practices benefit biodiversity—while enjoying a unique experience in nature.
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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.
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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
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Covering the soil reduces water evaporation. This can be done using various materials such as straw, wood chips, bioplastics, and, of particular interest, sheep wool. This traditional practice has regained attention as a way to mitigate drought effects and reduce reliance on conventional materials. It is a sustainable method that is gaining popularity in organic farming.
To promote this technique, we are organizing a practical training course at Vinyes Binitord (Ciutadella) on April 11th. The course will explore different mulching options, with special emphasis on the use of wool—a material that not only conserves water but also improves soil quality and protects crops from pests.
Continue reading Training course: Water conservation through soil mulching
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Unió de Pagesos, the Association for Organic Agricultural Production (APAEM), and GOB have recently written to the President of the Island Council of Menorca, urging them not to allow tourist rentals on rural land.
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The early arrival of spring has already brought some wild orchids into bloom. As they reappear, these plants attract pollinators with visual and olfactory cues, offering a characteristic lower petal as a landing platform.
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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
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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
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This February, the Ateneu de Maó will host a series of round table discussions focused on resilience in the face of climate change. Organized by the Ateneu de Maó, Menorca Preservation, and GOB Menorca, this series will explore the ecological concept of resilience through concrete experiences in four key areas: agriculture, forest management, tourism development, and the marine environment. Through presentations, discussions, and open debates, the series will highlight strategies and solutions to tackle climate change effects—especially those that require urgent implementation on an island like Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
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There are numerous successful initiatives around us that demonstrate how economic viability and environmental conservation can go hand in hand in agriculture.
From farming models that adapt to harsh climatic conditions, livestock management strategies that improve yields and restore soil fertility, to natural pest control systems and innovative marketing strategies, there is much to learn and share.
The Agriculture and Environment Seminar, part of the Agrarian Stewardship Program, celebrates its 18th edition this year. Its main goal is to showcase inspiring case studies that provide solutions to the current challenges facing agriculture.
