Tag Archives: Water

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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Environmental concern over projects at the Port of Maó

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GOB has not received any response to the objections it submitted regarding two major nautical projects at the Port of Maó, nor has it received answers to its requests for access to information.

Plans to discharge desalination plant brine directly into the port, construction of new pontoons in natural areas, lack of environmental impact assessments, and overcrowding of nearby coves are among the concerns raised due to the high potential impact.

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Meeting between environmental organisations and the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy

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The organisations SOS Costa Brava, Ecologistas en Acción, SOS Mar Menor and GOB recently met in Madrid with the Director General of the Merchant Navy, Gustavo Santana, to express our shared concern about the growing impacts of nautical overcrowding along the entire Spanish coastline.

During the meeting, it was made clear that the main cause of this situation is the excessive number of recreational boats operating without control or oversight. In recent years, in the most saturated areas, this reality has led to an increase in unsafe conditions along the coastal strip, with concerning episodes such as collisions between boats, accidents involving swimmers, risks during sports activities, and severe impacts on marine ecosystems.

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Mulching the soil: less evaporation, more fertility

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Mulching the soil: less evaporation, more fertility

Next Friday, April 11, GOB Menorca is organizing a training session entitled “Saving water with soil mulching”, which will take place at the Binitord vineyards (Ciutadella). The course is aimed at farmers, horticulturists, and people interested in sustainable soil management. It will include both theoretical and practical components.

The session will be led by Raoul Ferrer, an agricultural engineer with expertise in regenerative agriculture and holistic management. We spoke with him to learn more about mulching and its applications.

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Training course: Water conservation through soil mulching

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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.

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Proposals for a safer coastline

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A group of organizations from across Spain—including Alianza Mar Menor, Ecologistas en Acción, Fundación Juan Tábara, GEN-GOB, GOB Mallorca, GOB Menorca, Mallorca Blue, Pacto por el Mar Menor, Salvemos Calblanque, SOS Costa Brava, and SOS Mar Menor—have joined forces to urge the Spanish government to update maritime traffic regulations.

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

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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.

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Doubts and risks in the sanitation project for Cala Sant Esteve

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The project to equip Cala Sant Esteve with a sewage system raises questions about compliance with current regulations, could alter the cove’s landscape, and is further clouded by a large-scale land purchase adjacent to the urban area.

The GOB has submitted objections to the proposed sanitation project for Cala Sant Esteve, a small housing development traditionally tied to local residents.

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Join Us on Saturday, December 28th, at 10:30 AM, in Plaça Conquesta, Maó

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On Saturday, December 28th, a rally will be held to protest against the growing tourism saturation affecting Menorca. In 2024, we have once again surpassed previous years in terms of tourist numbers, and the Consell Insular has announced a significant increase in tourism promotion.

Summer overcrowding is planned in winter. On December 28th, in Plaça Conquesta, Maó, at 10:30 AM, we will come together to demand a better future. Bring your friends and join us!

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