The environmental protection group, GOB, started life as an ornithological group in 1977. The Grup Balear d'Ornitologia as it was known has become the Grup Ornitologia i defensa de la Naturalesa with a much broader remit to promote the defence of environmental values and the balance between human activities and nature conservation. Some people on the island are of the opinion that GOB has too strong an influence and that it stands in the way of economic development. I went to speak with the organisation's General Co-ordinator, Joan Florit Pujol, to gain a clearer idea about their principles.
He explained that the organisation has changed from being re-active to being pro-active. Whereas once its personnel would respond to a situation in which birds had been damaged in some way, or their habitat was threatened, the organisation now sets out to educate and advise in such a manner that damage to wildlife can be avoided. He stressed the independence of his organisation and how it is not in any way politically aligned.
They have their headquarters in the King's Mill, close to Maó town centre at Camí des Castell, 53, around 200 metres on the left from the traffic lights. A mill is marked on this site on maps dating from 1725. The mill is open to the public and acts as an information centre for GOB. It also offers excellent views across the rooftops, being open to the public Monday to Friday between 0900 and 1430 hrs.
This spring has seen considerable coverage in the press about the cleaning of beaches in preparation for the new tourist season. Joan explained GOB's attitude towards the removal of sea grass from the beaches. The cleanup operation, which began in March, well before Easter, is seen as being premature. Joan explained how the sea grass strands that are washed up on our beaches during storms are fundamental for the construction of the island's beaches. As well as protecting the beach from erosive wave action the dead vegetation forms the base for sand to be trapped and become stabilised both on beaches and in dune systems. Deprived of this core of vegetation the beaches would not provide such a valuable resource to the island's economy. GOB believes that by cleaning prior to Easter, money is being wasted on what is a counter productive exercise. Better to leave any cleanup until the end of April and allow the grass more time to be embedded in the sand. Joan also pointed out how often further storms, such as last Friday's Tramontana, occur after the cleanup making a second costly operation necessary. Contrary to GOB's view is the oft-quoted nuisance of smell and unsightliness produced by the dead posidonia grass.
Sand dune systems are offered protection by GOB's principles and their members' labours; a good example is the work the organisation has carried out at Sa Mesquida. Of paramount importance was the provision of sufficient parking spaces away from the beach, linked with denying vehicular access to the beach and dune system. The contrast to be seen now at Cala Mesquida compared to the scene of four years ago is dramatic and a testimony to GOB's efforts. Another of the organisation's principles, that of promoting more sustainable energy usage, has had an influence upon new housing regulations; specifically relating to the installation of solar panels for water heating on new builds.
I asked Joan about GOB's continued opposition to the use of further land for golf courses. GOB believes that every square metre of land on the island is precious and needs protection. They believe that it is not necessary to provide more golfing facilities on Menorca when both Ibiza and to a much larger extent, Mallorca, are providing such facilities. GOB would much rather see the development of other tourist attractions which are already naturally provided by the island and do not need special construction. Joan cited the greater value that could be attached to the island's historic monuments as an attraction for tourists. He added that he can see walking, horse-riding and cycling becoming much more important in the overall picture. The flora of the island's limestone areas would be of special interest to a particular type of tourist.
I questioned him on the lack of affordable marine facilities for visiting boating enthusiasts. He and his organisation believe that a co-ordinated island-wide policy is more acceptable than the current situation in which over-pricing in one part of the island, i.e. Mao, leads to overcrowding and illegal moorings elsewhere. Joan highlighted the benefits being gained from the fish reserves on the north coast, where increased fish stocks are now evident. Good news in the long term for professional fishermen.
Discussion about golf courses inevitably led us into a more detailed examination of the island's water supply. The belief amongst some people that the island benefits from an aquifer that has its source in the Pyrenees is incorrect. The island relies on aquifers but they are all below the island itself. The whole southern half of the island, with its characteristic "karst" scenery of dry "barrancs" and little permanent surface water is underlain by the largest of these – the Migjorn aquifer, which continues north of Ciutadella to the island's north western corner This is fed by the infiltration of water through its permeable limestone surface. Unfortunately we are experiencing problems with this particular water supply. Many people who live in the south east and south west of Menorca have to rely on bottled water for their drinking supply. In the south east the problem is especially due to the filtration of nitrates into the aquifer. Such nitrates have their source in sewage and in fertilisers. Around Ciutadella and to the south of the town the problem is with infiltration of salt water into the freshwater of the aquifer, thus making it unacceptably saline. This accelerates as the water table is lowered by over-exploitation. This area also suffers from an overdose of nitrates into the groundwater. There are five other, much smaller, aquifers dotted around the northern half of the island.
With a greater population than ever the island's use of water is obviously higher than previously, but Joan pointed to other factors that GOB would like to see put in place to safeguard the water supply. He stressed the way in which modern developments do not provide the traditional cisternas for the catchment of rainwater. He pointed to the way in which precious rainwater is allowed to just run off into the sea, thus being wasted. Our conversation turned to gardens at this juncture and he added that the traditional Mediterranean plants should be encouraged instead of the water-loving lawns and other plants that are so commonly seen.
When questioned about the building of a desalination plant to combat the water problem, Joan felt that the expense of such a plant cannot be justified, plus the energy costs that would be involved are undesirable. GOB would rather see a more determined approach to safeguarding the freshwater supply that we have naturally at our disposal.
I praised the island's system for provision of rubbish collection points and separation for recycling and compared it to the once a fortnight system of collection that is suffered in so many parts of the UK. Then I asked how much of what we collect for recycling is actually recycled. The answer he gave is that roughly 20% ends up as a recycled product. None of it is recycled on the island, only separation taking place here. Paper and cardboard is taken to Palma; metal, plastic and glass is shipped to Barcelona.
The organisation believes that by educating children to recycle materials in their classrooms there will be a better chance that they retain the habit into adulthood. A feature of GOB's many information leaflets is the encouragement given to everyone to recycle; materials after parties for example, and to think about the impact they have upon the environment in general.
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