Tag Archives: Waste & sewage

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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The cross-cutting issue

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Spring has begun, leaving behind meetings, conferences, studies and debates on important issues in Menorca. Menorca’s winter brings a remarkably active pace of events that encourage reflection and analysis. And in all these initiatives, when one takes a moment to think, a common factor emerges—one that runs through all these issues and fills them with a sense of concern.

We struggle to find solutions for aquifer management, access to housing, waste reduction and recycling, beach overcrowding, and the gradual loss of purchasing power.

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February 26, the challenge of waste management, up for debate at the Ateneu de Maó

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The fourth and final round table in the «Viure dins del dònut» [«Living within the doughnut»] debate series at the Ateneu de Maó will focus on waste management. This genuine collective challenge is a key element in moving towards more sustainable and responsible models. The session will address the future prospects of island waste management, the role of the three Rs —reduce, reuse and recycle— and innovative local upcycling initiatives.

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A dangerous agrarian law for farmers

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The draft Agrarian Law recently published by the Balearic Government could turn against farmers. Promoting economic activities that displace agriculture or removing environmental safeguards that protect soil fertility is not helping farmers—it is using them as an excuse to legislate in favour of other sectors. GOB has submitted objections.

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Irrigation with contaminated water

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Irrigation with contaminated water

The Balearic Government’s Department of Agriculture says it intends to significantly increase the irrigated areas of Menorca, but it has not clarified where the necessary water will come from.

One of the most imminent projects — the use of treated wastewater for irrigation in Sant Lluís — raises fears of contamination due to the poor quality of the water. This initiative directly contradicts existing water management policies.

The project is to be financed with public funds, amounting to around 8 million euros. GOB submitted detailed objections outlining all the concerns the project raises. No response has been received, but the Government has announced that it plans to start construction soon.

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Housing and tourist pressure, two related problems

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Access to housing has become a problem in recent years in Menorca. Addressing this important social challenge is an increasingly urgent need, and data and reflection are required to take steps in the right direction.

In this note, based on official data, some of the variables most closely related to the situation are analyzed.

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Thinking about the blaze

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Some species of pines have cones that remain closed for years, only opening when the temperature is very high. They store seeds that will burst out in case of fire and remain fertile afterwards.

In this way, the tree has developed a specific mechanism to increase the survival of its species. The pine coexists well with heat, but it is also prepared for when there is excessive blaze.

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Urban development excesses of 900%

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A new urban planning threat is being proposed on rural land in Menorca, presented as essential agricultural buildings to save the island’s countryside. Enormous building projects are being proposed with requests for exemption from urban planning parameters, so they can fall outside the scope of current regulations. These will be agricultural buildings… as long as the activity lasts.

Currently open to public consultation is a project for a large winery in Ciutadella, on the Camí de Macarella. It is planned on specially protected land and within an area of High Fire Risk. It is undergoing processing to be declared of General Interest. GOB has submitted objections.

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Meeting in Ibiza of all island sections of GOB

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Formentera rejoins the structure of GOB in the Balearic Islands.

The Inter-island Board of GOB of the Balearic Islands, composed of representatives from GOB Mallorca, GOB Menorca, GEN-GOB, and GOB Formentera, met this Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Can Casals (Ibiza), the headquarters of GEN-GOB, for their annual interisland coordination meeting.

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From Ciutadella’s water crisis to Menorca’s sustainability challenge

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Ciutadella is one of the municipalities where underground water resources are in the worst state, to the point that the new General Plan is currently halted because it cannot guarantee supply for the projected population.

Two years ago, the Sustainable Water Management Plan for the municipality was drafted. GOB submitted comments because there were very concerning situations. Given the chronic nature of these issues for decades, the intervention by the Civil Guard and the judicial complaint, potentially qualifying as an environmental crime due to water management, were considered good news.

Now, it has been announced that the Government is approving the Water Management Plan, but no one has responded to the comments. Therefore, we recall them here so they do not remain in a drawer:

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