Home | Amics de la Terra Mallorca

2nd LEARN WITH NATURE outing: The Balearic woodland eco-system, 15 June 2013 at Menut

2013-05-21T13:07:58+02:00

At Amics de la Terra, we're beginning a new series of outings with the aim of learning through nature. During 2013, we'll do five outings around totally different topics and through which we'll learn about the natural resources here in Mallorca.

LEARN WITH NATURE comprises a guided outing with specific education and a leaflet about the outing's topic.

2nd outing: TH BALEARIC WOODLAND ECO-SYSTEM: We are going to the Balearic Islands' Forestry Centre (Menut), where we'll see and learn about:

types of woodland, native plants, holm-oak wood characteristics, endemic species
woodland benefits and problems, the seed bank, reproduction and sowing
conservation plans and forestry management, the wood as a biomass source
biodiversity and wildlife
fires, ancient trades
the woodland lifecycle and the role of mushrooms, lichens, mosses and ferns.

Duration: 8.45am/10am to about 2.30pm, Saturday 15 June 2013.

Meeting place: 8.45am in the Conservatorio de Palma parking area or 10am at Menut (Forestry Centre), which is close to Lluc on the C-170 road (Lluc to Pollença).

Transport: We'll go in private cars. At Amics de la Terra, we'll put you in touch with each other for sharing cars and help you all, as far as possible, to come on the outing.

Important: Places limited to 30 people. Amics de la Terra members and volunteers will have preference, all other people on a strict first-come, first-served basis.

Sign up by 13 June 2013 (NO registrations will be accepted after this date).

To register, email the following details to participacio@amicsdelaterra.org:

Name and surname
Town
Email address
Telephone number
Do you have a car?
Do you want to share your car? Indicate the number of spare places
If you don't have a car and would like to share, indicate how many places you need

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

These outings are supported by the Fundación Guillem Cifre of Caixa Colonya.

Bike march to Ses Fontanelles to defend its natural values

2013-05-20T13:03:27+02:00

A year with no governmental response to the stream cleaning report by Amics de la Vall de Coanegra, GPB, GADMA and Amics de la Terra

2013-05-20T13:00:57+02:00

Última Hora

Ecologists demand a packaging return system in Mallorca

2013-05-20T12:59:51+02:00

ABC

La Almudaina - Diario de Mallorca

LEARN WITH NATURE: Mediterranean eco-systems and tapeweed fields

2013-05-18T17:05:13+02:00

This is the first of five outings in the series LEARN WITH NATURE.

Mondragó Nature Reserve: a small natural stronghold with a diverse range of Mediterranean eco-systems and a large expanse of 'posidonia oceanica' (Mediterranean tapeweed) fields.

Mondragó Nature Reserve's strongest feature is its balance between natural and cultural values.

While the majority of Mallorca's nature reserves comprise zones where human intervention is minimal, in Mondragó the majority of the area is occupied by traditional dryland-farming fields, their conservation and restoration being one of the main aims.

Perhaps this is why it's not as spectacular as other reserves, but no less interesting. It shows and preserves civilized areas that, throughout many years, have had traditional uses. In other words, areas that have shown a high level of sustainability for centuries.

It offers diverse spaces and landscapes; a walk through the reserve allows us to visit woods, beaches, wetlands, dunes and cultivated fields, such as natural areas in a good state and others which are undergoing a very positive regeneration.

Areas touched by humans include small cultivated fields, closed with dry-stone walls, where cereals, pulses, fig trees and carob trees are grown, accompanied by wildlife including hedgehogs, rabbits, hares, the occasional weasel, field mouse or garden dormouse, striking hoopoes, small birds and the occasional snake.

The small stone huts or 'barraques de roter' for livestock are very interesting and there are two very well restored examples. In this area, there were also some hideouts used by smugglers, who were abundant in the 19th century and until the mid 20th century.

There are sandstone quarries, pits called 'sitges', where wood was burn to make carbon, and lime kilns, where lime was extracted from limestone. It's interesting to focus on the areas' names, which reflect how they were used. The 'Amarador' tells us that reed, hemp, flax and other materials were soaked here to make cloth and rope, and wood for construction.

The reserve's forest is typical Mediterranean woodland with its pines and shrubs, inhabited by small birds, wood pigeons and turtledoves that add life with their calls. Although they are less striking, the rocks that flank the walk linking the two small beaches are pretty too. On the beaches, the occasional fossil can be spotted, evidence of their marine origin, and some modest, small plants, typical of rocky areas, with some endemic species.

The wetlands that fill up with water from the streams, with the rain and seawater that gradually seep in, provide a very different aspect. They have special vegetation are are the perfect habitat for some aquatic and riverside birds such as herons, ducks, moorhens and dunlins, as well as some toads and frogs that also are occasionally noticeable by their croaks.

The good regeneration of the dunes shows us the different stages that they have passed through and how, once the sand is stable, the vegetation has gradually taken hold and in which more sand has gradually been deposited, making the dunes grow.

But the most striking thing about the Mondragó reserve's two coves is the colour of the sea, a beautiful turquoise-blue. The waters are clean, transparent and generally calmer than on the more open coastlines. The two beaches offer a peaceful area where it's a true luxury to be able to sit and watch the sea, flown over by a seagull with its white plumage gleaming in the sun.

The crystal-clear waters allows us to catch sight of the fields of Mediterranean tapeweed rooted in the depths. Commonly called 'seaweed', but far from bring it, tapeweed is a superior plant that flowers, although they are small and hard to distinguish.

These fields make up a very important, productive eco-system of the Mediterranean depths. Watching the remains of the shoals that the water deposits in the sand, the richness of the fields can be seen, the density of the bundles of leaves, their length and the multitude of animals and plants that colonise both the leaves and the stems.

If the fields are observed from the water, little animals can be seen that take advantage of the leafiness of the fields to find food, hide from their enemies and lay eggs. Eggs laid in the tapeweed fields have a much greater chance of surviving and when the animal grows, it will leave the tapeweed to join the adult population. Once an adult, it will return to the fields where it was born, to lay its eggs with the hope that, like itself, they will be lucky and be able to carry on.

The tapeweed fields have huge importance and, despite being a protected habitat, they continue to suffer many impacts, such as boats putting down their anchors. Here, in the depths of Mondragó, one can still see large expanses of tapeweed fields in good condition.

To get more out of the visit, call at the visitors' centre where, as well as leaflets with an explanation and a map with the routes, you can see a model of the area and understand its structure. You can also see a small but interesting exhibition of things related to the reserve and chat to the managers, who can explain things directly and answer your questions.

Look at the photos and read more information here.

THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY ISABEL MORENO, MARINE BIOLOGY PROFESSOR

This series of outings is supported by the Fundació Guillem Cifre of Caixa Colonya.

Human chain in protest at the arrival in Mallorca of waste from the peninsula

2013-05-14T15:40:35+02:00

30 January 2013

Amics de la Terra is part of the platform 'No Volem Ser el Femer d'Europa'.

Amics de la Terra demands that importing waste is avoided

2013-05-14T15:34:56+02:00

14 February 2013

Amics de la Terra invites you to a dinner for two people at restaurant ECOVEGETARIA

2013-05-14T15:27:57+02:00

We want to strengthen our social base and we would like you to be a part of it

We want to keep fighting for the environment and we would like you to participate

Join us: your help is of utmost importance for us to continue doing our job

BECOME A MEMBER AND YOU COULD WIN

- A trip for two to Cabrera National Park www.excursionsacabrera.es.

- A gift basket full of local ecological products

GUIDELINES FOR THE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH’S MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN 2013 SWEEPSTAKES

Who can participate?

All current members of Friends of the Earth and any person who would like to become a member.

What are the steps to follow?

- If you would like to participate, simply register!

- If you would like to sign up a new member just send in their complete name to amics@amicsdelaterra.org, or phone us at 971 757 939.

- New members should register using our webpage’s sign-up sheet.

New members will receive a lottery number for our sweepstakes. Current members who recruit new members will receive two lottery numbers for the sweepstakes!

What are the prizes?

There will be two winning numbers in the sweepstakes, and the prizes are:

- A boat ride for two to Cabrera National Park (www.excursionsacabrera.es)

- A Christmas basket with local ecological products!

The tickets for Cabrera cannot be used for weekends in July or August

When will the winning numbers be chosen?

The winning number for the Cabrera trip will take place in the Spring of 2013 in the Friends of the Earth office (Avda. Compte de Sallent, 4, 1 º A de Palma.).

What does the Friends of the Earth membership cost?

Our membership fee is affordable and helps us to continue fighting for a better environment here in Mallorca:

- Individual: 40 € / year

- Family: 60 € / year

- Reduced: 20 € / year (14 – 25 years of age and adults over the age of 65)

The quota can be paid bi- o tri-annually

Join us: your help is of utmost importance for us to continue doing our job

Discover the winners of the trip to Cabrera and the organic products crate

2013-05-14T15:26:39+02:00

On Thursday 9 May 2013, we held the prize draw for the 2012 Membership Campaign. There were two prizes to win.

We carried out the draw under the supervision of the Amics de la Terra Mallorca executive committee. The lucky winners were:

1st prize (trip to Cabrera): Fermín de Ayarra Tamargo
2nd prize (crate of organic products): Juli Salvá Bibiloni

Congratulations to the winners!

We'd also like to remind you that we have started the new 2013 Membership Campaign, in which we're offering a dinner for two people at the ECOVEGETARIA restaurant. Find out more!

Executive committee members present at the 2012 Membership Campaign prize draw:

Sandy Hemingway
Isabel Moreno
Carlos Zayas
Mariano Reaño
David Díez
Gastón Fileni
Alberto Cubillo
Rebeca Moreno

We don't want a golf course in Son Saletes! The countryside is for farmers!

2013-05-14T15:17:31+02:00

Protest demonstration rejecting the planned golf course in Son Saletes.

Saturday 18 May 2013 at 10am

Meeting point: Ctra. Santa MarIa-Sencelles, kilometre 9 (in front of the Sencelles petrol station)

For manay years, a golf course has been planned between the districts of Sencelles and Binissalem. Both councils are against it but this has not stopped the developer continuing with the idea of going ahead with a project that will damage the landscape and endanger the water supply in Sencelles.

You can come from either Sencelles or Biniali walking along the footpath that runs between both places.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

How Much Does This Personal Hygiene or Cosmetic Product Cost? More Importantly, How Much Will it Cost my Skin and my Health?

2013-05-09T13:02:06+02:00

Do you know what you’re putting on your skin?

When we go to the store to buy hygienic or cosmetic products (masculine or feminine) the most frequent question that we ask ourselves is usually: ”How much does it cost?” However, something that we’re not aware of, and that we also need to think about, is that many conventional products contain synthetic substances, many of which come from oil.

The importance of our skin: it’s our body’s largest organ

Besides aesthetic reasons, we generally don’t pay much attention to our skin, although it is our body’s largest organ. In 1cm² of skin we can find: 15 sebaceous glands, 1m of blood vessels, 100 sweat glands, 3,000 sensory cells, 4m of nerves, 300,000 epithelial cells and 10 hairs. Our skin breaths, it protects us from the exterior, it keeps our internal structures intact, it acts as a communication system (informing us of internal and external processes), it eliminates toxins, etc. An example: if we were to completely cover our bodies with something that didn’t allow our body’s to transpire, we would die within 2 hours. Our body is also one of the principle pathways that allow toxic substances to enter our body (directly to the blood); unlike the digestive or respiratory systems, there are no filters.

Conventional production, Oil derivatives and other harmful components

There are a lot of companies that make hygienic and cosmetic products. The race to maximize benefits while minimizing costs has lead to the creation of low-cost and low-quality chemical substances. Many of these materials are synthetic (the majority coming from oil) and not compatible with our bodies or the environment. They can even cause health problems.

There also exists a lot of false advertising surrounding products that claim to be natural, bio, organic, etc. being more a publicity gimmick more than a reality. HOW CAN WE KNOW IF WE’RE BEING DECEIVED? The manufacturers are obligated to list ALL of their products ingredients in the INCI (international nomenclature for cosmetic ingredients). We have to learn to read and understand the labels. We can see a concrete example of this by examining a well known supermarket’s almond oil and the principal components that we should avoid here: Ecomallorca. We can only evaluate the quality of a product by reading the INCI to detect if it contains beneficial or harmful substances Start paying attention to the ingredients that would be better to avoid: mineral oils (paraffin, silicone, Vaseline, petrolatum), sodium lareth sulfate, parabens, parfum, PEG (polyethlenglycol), falatos (Phthalatate), benzophenone, etc.

Are there toxic substances legally allowed in cosmetic products?

The evidence speaks for itself. In 2005, Annex II of the European Directory that regulates cosmetics had to be modified due to, “the technical progress that has demonstrated that some ingredients currently used in cosmetic products are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for the reproduction function.” In early 2013 the OMS published a report about the toxic substances used in conventional cosmetics and its possible link as an endocrine disruptor.

Some cosmetic ingredients haven’t been identified as harmful for our health, but they are contaminants that one way or another have a negative environmental impact that affects all living things, including us. These ingredients aren’t easy broken down and can’t be eliminated from water during its depuration process. Consequentially these substances accumulate in rivers, lakes and the sea where they can enter into the food chain, eventually returning to our dinner plate.

HOW TO BUY ADEQUATE COSMETICS

There are some basic norms that can help us to evaluate the quality of a product:

1) Avoid products with an interminable (INCI) list. You’ll notice that cheaper, lower-quality products tend to have a longer ingredient list.
2) The ingredients are always listed from higher to lower %. The first ingredient on the list is the ingredient whose quantity makes up the largest percent of the product, while the last ingredient on the list makes up the smallest percentage of the product.
3) Avoid products that promise “natural miracles”, but that barely have natural ingredients (written in Latin).
4) Lastly, when a brand constantly appears in paid publicity on the television, magazines, etc., this demonstrates that its priority isn’t the long-term inversion in quality, but rather the desire to gain new clients.

We use hygienic and cosmetic products every day… from the time we hop out of bed and wash our face, or take a shower, to the time we’re getting ready for bed and brush our teeth, or put on a hydrating lotion. Depending on our habits, we come into contact with hundreds of natural or chemical compounds every day. The proportion between one or the other depends principally on the type of products that we use.*

The best option to take care of our skin is to use natural products that nurture while allowing the skin to recuperate on its own. Plant extracts are a safe and effective natural cosmetic given their known toxicity levels and the effects they have on our bodies. Eating right, taking exercise and getting rest are also great ways to take care of our skin.

Amics de la Terra imparted a natural cosmetic workshop. Those who participated were taught how to read the INCIS of cosmetic products, where to find natural products in Mallorca, etc. All of this thanks to information given to us by Rituals Mediterranis.

If you are interested in taking part in a natural cosmetics workshop, we often publish information in our facebook as well as twitter.

More information:

Toxic substances in cosmetics

Cosmetic manufacturers who use toxic ingredients in their products

Information for the responsable shopper

Organic cosmetics guide

Do we want to use farmland for growing potatoes for making single-use carrier bags? Sign our petition!

2013-05-09T11:42:13+02:00

Doesn't it make more sense to change habits and use re-usable carriers?!

To produce all the carrier bags that are made in Spain

we would need 393.75 million kilos of potatoes

As a solution for reducing the number of plastic bags that pollute our rivers, woodland or seas for years, the government has brought out a law (Ley 22/2011) that proposes substituting these non-biodegradable bags with carriers made from food produce.

Friends of the Earth believes that it's time to stop creating waste that the Earth can't support and also to stop consuming more resources that we should be. That's why we want to:

raise public awareness of how important it is to be a responsible consumer
demand that government manages waste adequately
support sustainable alternatives that make change possible.

But we can't do it without you. Will you join us?

Sign here to tell Minister Cañete that you do not support the article that refers to biodegradable carrier bags in the new waste law!

11th climate trip: Cabrera information centre, 21 May 2011

2013-04-10T15:24:24+02:00

Amics de la Terra continues to investigate the effects of climate change in Mallorca. Find out what they are and how they affect us!

We will visit the Cabrera information centre, accompanied by Isabel Morena (Amics de la Terra member and marine biology professor) and Miquel Socies (member of the Alcúdia fishermen's guild for more than 30 years).

Without a doubt, it will be a very special outing, as we'll be able to hear two different points of view from two different experts in their fields (science and fishing).

We'll look at the problems in the ocean, marine resources, their biology, effects of climate change on marine flora and fauna, and so on. We'll also be able to ask Isabel and Miquel many questions, as they're fountains of knowledge and the setting is perfect.

Visit details

Timings: 9am – 2pm (approx. ), Saturday 21 May 2011.
Meeting point: 9am at the Conservatorio de Palma (be on time!) or 10am at the Centre d'Interpretació de Cabrera (c. Gabriel Roca s/n, Colònia Sant Jordi).
Transport: We'll go in private cars. We will put you in touch with a suitable person for sharing cars, so that as far as possible everyone can come on the outing.
Important: Bring water and elevenses for yourself. Entry to the centre is free.
Sign up to come before the 19 May 2011. (You won't be accepted after this date!)

To sign up, send the following information to participacio@amicsdelaterra.org.

Name and surname
Association (if applicable)
Municipality
Email address
Telephone
Do you have a car?
Do you want to share your car? If so, how many places?
If you don't have a car and need a lift, how many people are you?

We look forward to seeing you!

Join the New Energy Model Platform

2013-04-02T17:56:13+02:00

PLATFORM FOR A NEW ENERGY MODEL. Environment, energy independence and employment ONCE AND FOR ALL!

The New Energy Model Platform (Px1NME) came about by combining two main ideas:

Firstly: That the transition to a clean and sustainable energy system is already possible. A change that has been very necessary for some time, and that is now, in fact, a cheaper alternative to our dependency on fossil fuels and uranium.

Secondly: That nothing will change if there isn’t societal pressure. During decades, a select few organizations have made a lot of money selling dirty energy. They’ve accumulated enormous resources, and as a result, an immense power. All of this leads to the maintenance of the status quo. If we want common sense energy practices to be the norm, we only have one bump in the road: an informed and active society.

There’s room for everyone in this initiative, and it’s important that we all do our part. For that very reason the objectives that are defended are simple and inclusive. The day that hundreds of organizations and thousands of anonymous citizens stand together against a multitudinous press conference, the energy world will have changed. This is what we aspire to with the New Energy Model Platform: to demonstrate that the moment of change has come, and to make it possible by mobilizing society. Perceiving the importance of the objective and the magnificent opportunity that it presents us… without corporate buy-outs or personalization.

Join the Platform here

More information:

Founding document of the Platform: What does the New Energy Model consist of and why should you support it? (download below)

Plataforma por un nuevo modelo energético

New Energy Model Platform

Facebook Profile

Som Energia

The Only Ones in Europe: We Need Your "Mazorcazo"! Say NO to GMOs.

2013-03-07T12:08:04+01:00

We’ve created a GMO “home shopping network”, where we shed light on the false arguments of the GMO industry and their allies

Únicos en Europa.org, a demystification of the arguments made by the biotechnology industry, and the government, in favor of GMOs.

Enter the webpage to inform yourself and to demonstrate that society rejects the use of GMOs by requesting that they be prohibited.

IF YOU’RE NOT SATISFIED… DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!: SEND IN YOUR SIGNATURE AND YOUR “MAZORCAZO”.

The future of negotiations on climate change is at stake in the COP in Doha

2013-01-17T12:42:16+01:00

26noviembre2012

EFE Verde: Amics de la Terra reclama al Govern una Ley de Cambio Climático

ABC: Amics de la Terra reclama al Govern una Ley de Cambio Climático

Diario de Ibiza: Amics de la Terra reclama al Govern una Ley Balear de Cambio Climático

European week for the reduction of waste: Spain throws away more than 15 million tons of natural resources every year

2013-01-17T12:39:42+01:00

Diario de Mallorca_Setmana Europea de Reducció

Amics de la Terra together with other organisations demand the cancellation of the reform of the Coastal Law

2013-01-17T12:35:30+01:00

Amics de la Terra considers “unacceptable” the importation of waste to incinerate in Mallorca

2013-01-17T12:29:24+01:00

Mallorca Confidencial

Volunteers of Amics de la Terra work to avoid the propagation of fire

2013-01-17T12:26:13+01:00

1octubre2012

El Mundo

El Mundo_Amics de la Terra Neteja un bocí de bosc

Inca Avui.

Evanpress.

A Cooperation with alternatives to fight climate change

2013-01-17T12:18:13+01:00

Climate change is a global problem that affects us all, however, the most vulnerable communities, and the ones that have contributed least to global warming, are the ones that are suffering the worst consequences. The places where the threats of natural disasters are more habitual are being more affected by the warming, with every time more frequent accidents. This is the case of the Golf of Fonseca, an area shared by Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador.

This is the reason why, from Amics de la Terra together with our local members and the communities of the area we are running a project to mitigate and prevent the impacts of climate change. We also want to promote the climate justice and fight for it, we have seen the need of implementing projects from the cooperation area which attend this essential requirements.

This way, we have managed to strengthen the knowledge about the principal threats of nature of the population of 20 communities through the elaboration of maps of the risks of the zone, and also different studies. In one word An action plan to reduce the social, environmental and economic vulnerability in the communities, paying special attention to adaption, mitigation and prevention of the natural phenomena caused by climate change.

Along the same lines, 20 communitary brigades have been shaped, strengthen and equipped to prevent, mitigate and give attention to disasters (BRIMUR) which are integrated by a total of 274 people. With the aim of completing these actions a monitoring system has been installed to evaluate the protected area of the volcano Cosigüina and the biological corridors on risk management, socioeconomic aspects and quality aspects.

The students of the area also play an important role in the risk management inside communities. With the aim of introducing these concepts in schools from primary school, a didactic guide on risk management has been published, and also sensitization talks have been given to students and teachers. These guides have been distributed in 42 primary schools of the area. At the same time 11 classrooms have been renewed and one more has been built in different communities, equipping also different schools with scholar materials, desks and blackboards.

Inside this project, one of the main objectives is the promotion of socioeconomic alternatives which are respectful with the environment. In this case the banana production and the beekeeping are some of the sectors in which good manufacturing practices are being implemented. Thanks to these preceedments 225 producers and 77 women, have seen their income incremented by 10%. These type of local and ecological practices are at the same time a basic tool to help us fight the effects of climate change with proximity and small scale agriculture and beekeeping.

Amics de la Terra wishes you an ecological christmas, the ideal gift for the planet. We give you some ideas

2012-12-19T21:44:47+01:00

Christmas is back again! And even though it has always been the most consumerist vacation, this year something has changed.

The recession, the economical cuts and the social movements have occupied most of 2012, and people are worried about the socioeconomic uncertainty and therefore are more careful with expenses.

It´s time to change the belief that money brings us happiness. We encourage you to live a happy, smiling and positive Christmas with the minimum expense. Let´s not fool ourselves, the reason why these important dates make us so happy is very simple: the contact and the coexistence with our families, friends, and the people we know in general, eating all together around a table, the excitement of the youngest of the house or simply sharing special moments.

From Amics de la Terra we want to help you have a more responsible Christmas with the environment. Celebrate an ecological Christmas, that means, good for you, good for the others, and good for the Earth.

Some tips on how to prepare Christmas meals:

Buy what you need, make measured portions so that nothing has to be thown away.
Buy local products and seasonal ones, they will be better, more ecological (the consume less energy to get here) and you will be helping the local economy.
Make simple meals, don´t make it complicated. They are better for your pocket and your health!

On the other hand, we should say that austerity doesn´t have to be a synonym of not receiving any presents. You can give nonmaterial gifts like:

Sharing time or special moments together (candlelit romantic dinner at home, a new year´s eve costume party at home, walks on the beach, going to see the stars or the sunset, making an excursion with the family, making a surprise visit to a friend or family member that you haven´t seen in a long time ...)
Helping to get done what Grandma has been wanting to do for so long, or a neighbour, or a friend .. or looking after their kids.
Share your skills with other people that can give you or do something you don´t know about (time banks)
Teach kids how to ride a bike or how to rollerblade, sing Christmas Carols, play with them, show them traditional games, ... ¡dedicate time to them!
Kisses, hugs, love, .. (but with a bit of imagination: love gymkhana, 5 minute long hugs, a verse, a poem, riddles ...)
You can also bring out your artistic and creative side, making a Christmas tree out of photographies or material we already have, making our own Christmas card, decorations reutilizing materials or waste, ... ¡and make it together as a familiar activity!

YOU JUST NEED IMAGINATION AND WILL: GIVE HAPPINESS, TIME, SURPRISE, SOLIDARITY, SMILES, LOVE, POSITIVISM ...

But if you don´t have the time, you feel lazy or for solidarity you decide to buy, write down these few tips:

Make a SOLIDARY gift: make someone else a member of Amics de la Terra or another NGO
Buy USEFUL things and make sure that the person you are giving it to NEEDS it
Make sure that your present is good for the planet,
That it consumed LITTLE natural resources,
That it consumes LITTLE or NO energy,
That it DOESN´T generate WASTE,
Buy things that last LONG or that can be REPAIRED
Give things MADE IN MALLORCA
Buy in the SMALL BUSINESSES
Buy to those friends or known people that do things with social and environmental value (artisans, etc.)
Don´t pay with Credit Cards (¡let´s not give the banks more benefits!)

AMICS DE LA TERRA WISHES YOU AN ECOLOGICAL CHRISTMAS, THE BEST PRESENT FOR THE PLANET.

Ecologists protest in Cala Blanca against the reform of the Coastal Law

2012-12-19T13:54:58+01:00

Amics de la Terra de Mallorca, the Gob, the Plataform Save Andratx and the Balearic section of Greenpeace have chosen Cala Blanca for their industrial action as a symbol of coastal place threatened by the urbanization.

According to these organisations, the recent urgent urbanistic action law impulsed by the Environment Councillor Biel Company has allowed the modification of the subsidiary rules of Andratx and will allow to urbanize zones of the area of Biniorella-Cala Blanca that until today have been preserved from construction.

Mallorca Confidencial.

Tablón de Noticias

Salvem Andratx

Amics de la Terra urges the "Govern" to approve the IV Plan on Defense against Fires

2012-12-19T13:36:31+01:00

Mallorca Diario.

Mallorca Confidencial

ABC.

A marine concentration is called in Cala Blanca (Andatx) the 28th of July to claim for the protection of the coast under the slogan "swim for our coast"

2012-12-19T13:32:29+01:00

Diario de Mallorca

Mallorca Confidencial

Five ecological entities demand Bauzà´s "Govern" to remove the hotel project in Sa Ràpita

2012-12-19T13:24:17+01:00

Última Hora

Diario de Mallorca

Tribuna Mallorca

Mallorca Confidencial

Amics de la Terra has required today from the "Govern de les Illes Balears" that the decree for the protection of the "posidonia oceánica" (Neptune Grass) is accompained by a sufficient surveillance to control the anchoring and the dumping of blackwater

2012-12-19T13:17:21+01:00

22june2012

The ecological organisation Amics de la Terra has required today from the "Govern de les Illes Balears" that the decree for the protection of the "posidonia oceánica" (Neptune Grass) is accompained by "a sufficient surveillance to control the anchoring and the dumping of blackwater in the sea".

The entity has warned in a release that the disappearance of this species has very negative effects on the marine ecosystem as the waters become more turbid and less oxygenated, the erosion of the sand in the beaches is stronger, sand isn´t created and the eggs and larvae of many species don´t get to be adult.

Tell them not to kill me!

2012-12-19T12:43:04+01:00

As the 10th of December is the International Day of Human Rights we have made a video result of the Friends of the Earth International tour around El Salvador and Guatemala, with many witnesses of the violations carried out by multinational companies .

Vídeo.

We demand that the Government defends climate justice

2012-12-10T09:57:52+01:00

Devastating floods in Pakistan, out-of-control forest fires in the summer in Spain, Russia and California... The worrying predictions of climate change scientists are coming true.

Europe must lead the way at the next Climate Summit in Cancún, Mexico, in December 2010. However, Spain hasn't even reduced its CO2 emissions to the level agreed by European countries, but has had to buy 'carbon credits' with 638m€ of public money.

Although this system, known as emissions trading, corrects the 'CO2 balance', it doesn't stop rich countries from polluting. It simply moves their problem to poorer countries that don't have the resources to defend themselves against the effects of climate change.

We must take action!

Por qué pedimos justicia climática

Sign up now

Action for our coasts: how can you help us?

2012-10-22T17:56:37+02:00

The country map is full of initiatives all along the coast. See the different actions.

We have to take action to make sure they don't modify the Coastal Act, as it has managed to paralyse 95% of the projects proposed for construction.

How can you help us?

Come to our rallies and join in with the actions.
Add your signature to the platform as an individual or an organisation.
Become a member or make a donation to the project for carrying out actions for watching over our surroundings.

Thank you for helping us to make it possible!

Amics de la Terra urges the government to approve the IV Fire Defence Plan

2012-10-22T17:45:47+02:00

AMICS DE LA TERRA ASKS THE BALEARIC GOVERNMENT FOR A NEW FIRE DEFENCE PLAN AND URGENT DRAFTING OF THE FOREST PLAN

In view of the wave of forest fires that have swept across Mallorca in recent weeks, Amics de la Terra asks: what's failed in the forest policy for there to be such a proliferation of blazes, some of which are difficult to control?

The fires destroy valuable woodland environments that generate oxygen and water, and which sustain biodiversity, as well as having great economic value.

Amics de la Terra has asked the Balearic government to meet the promises made by José Ramón Bauzà last year when he promised to approve the IV Fire Defence Plan in 2012. This plan must affect, above all, prevention and vigilance. A plan that considers the detection of high-risk areas, invests in watch teams and cleaning woods to reduce the volume of bio-mass accumulated after years of neglect, and which includes public environmental education campaigns to create an anti-fire culture. It would allow work to be created for a large number of currently unemployed people and will reduce the complicated and costly extinction work. Reforestation of burnt areas will be carried out when these areas can't regenerate themselves naturally, as well as existing barren areas on the islands. Amics de la Terra proposes applying guideline sentences more rigorously for people who cause fires intentionally.

Amics de la Terra also asks the Balearic government to urgently begin a participatory process for drafting the Forest Plan promised by the President at the end of 2011.

On another note, after summer Amics de la Terra is going arrange some actions cleaning woodland and reforesting burnt areas that can't regenerate naturally.

"Maintaining the current global food model is expensive in every sense"

2012-10-22T17:21:50+02:00

Read Amics de la Terra's interview with the newspaper Diario de Mallorca about the recently published report on food miles:

“Mantener el actual modelo global de alimentación es caro en todos los sentidos” (Spanish only)

You can also download the report (Spanish only).

The Consell promotes Mallorca's new image: the perfect destination for tourists and rubbish!

2012-10-22T17:14:56+02:00

Amics de la Terra warns that Mallorca's image is going to be seriously damaged by importing rubbish and, if necessary, we'll report the administration's failure to Europe.

Every year, more than 600,000 tonnes of urban waste are generated in Mallorca. Of these, three quarters ends up being burnt in the incinerator. And even then, the monster created by TIRME and the Consell de Mallorca doesn't have enough food.

That we recycle, at most, a quarter of this waste means that, every day, we burn paper, plastic and packaging that could have a second life and organic material that could be made into a great fertiliser for the soil if it were separated adequately to make compost.

It all burns because the politicians aren't investing in 'reduction, re-use and recycling', because they're not interested in doing it better. And not only do they not invest in the three Rs, but they've decided to punish the municipalities that sort organic material, pushing for a new tax on managing the organic part, until now free, and ignoring the efforts of the associations of Pla or Raiguer, and municipalities like Binissalem, Puigpunyent and Esporles, which have implemented door-to-door collections and the 'red bag' (managing to recycle up to 70% of their waste).

What really interests the Consell is feeding an oven that turns natural resources into ash and toxins. It is more interested in generating electricity by burning plastic than really driving renewable energies. And it's more interested in bringing waste from Naples or England, with the associated environmental madness, than considering other options.

But have we thought about the control we will have over waste from other countries? A few years ago, Germany rejected importing waste from Naples precisely because it found radioactive waste. Will we be able to give guarantees for waste that's gone through mafia groups in southern Italy?

In the face of this situation, there are many more questions than answers. They have the absolute majority for changing planning policy with shock decree-law and emergency measures, they can overturn the state law on waste – just approved after two years of negotiations – but they can't modify the clauses of a contract that sacrifices 20 years of policies and public and municipal initiatives in favour of waste reduction and recycling? And in return, they can't even revise a contract of this sort, certainly negotiated by some politicians charged with corruption?

We want transparency and answers: when will the cost of the old incinerator be paid off (if it isn't already) so that it can close? Why can't we extend the repayment term for the new incinerator and invest in reduction policies? What benefits are generated by electricity generation and how do they affect us? What will happen with the waste tax when it's unfrozen after 2013?

“We have a mortgage and, however much we reduce or recycle, we keep on paying for the incinerator because the contract is sealed...” is the argument most often used by the Consejo's politicians. But if a politician follows this economic dictate, it only means that they are prostituting the public good to maintain the benefit of private business, one more example of the subordination of political power to economic dictates.

We warn that this challenge with the public will not generate a great image to the valuable overseas tourists. And we announce that, if necessary, we'll knock on Europe's doors to report the breach/failure of the administration that announced for 2020 re-use and recycling aims of 50% or urban waste (it goes without saying that if we keep on as we are, we'll meet this with difficulty).

Rally: WE DON'T WANT TO BE EUROPE'S RUBBISH DUMP

2012-10-21T14:29:15+02:00

Wednesday 26 September 2012, 7pm: collective display of horror

Son Reus 2012: point of no return, show of rejection

Location: Recinto Hospital Joan March. Carretera Soller KM 12. Bring a front light or some sort of lighting to create a group illumination at the end of the event.

How to get there:

- On foot or by bike from Bunyola. We will set a meeting place and time.

- By car: go in a car with lots of people. Share your car!

- By BUS: you'll find the bus times on our blog.

Organised by the bodies forming the campaign 'We DON'T want to be Europe's rubbish dump', of which Amics de la Terra is one.

Visit the blog for more information and all details.

Rally flyer Cartell concentració

Shell goes to court because of petrol spills in the Niger Delta

2012-10-21T14:15:18+02:00

Amics de la Terra made a video to raise awareness of the issue and we collected signatures that we sent to Friends of the Earth International. See the video on YouTube

Friends of the Earth International announces Shell's appearance before the Hague Tribunal

For the first time in history, a European company, the Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell, will appear before a Dutch tribunal because of the damage its operations have caused in other countries.

In May 2008, four Nigerian fishermen and farmers [1] from Goi, Ikot Ada Udo and Oruma, along with Friends of the Earth Netherlands Milieudefensie, and with the support of Friends of the Earth Nigeria ERA, began a lawsuit against Shell Nigeria and against the company's headquarters in Holland [2].

Both parties will declare in the audience on 11 October 2012 at 9.30am in The Hague [3], although the verdict will not be made public until the start of 2013.

“This court case will have groundbreaking legal repercussions for multinational corporations globally, and especially for European corporations,“ says Geert Ritsema, globalisation campaign leader at Friends of the Earth Netherlands / Milieudefensie.

“Shells irresponsible behaviour, with poor maintenance of pipelines and factories, has let tens of millions of barrels of oil leak in the area, causing disastrous consequences for the population and the environment. The Anglo-Dutch oil company must take responsibility for the catastrophe, stop the pollution, compensate the damage it's caused, and avoid future oil spills,” added Ritsema.

The Hague court hearing will take place just 10 days after another hearing (1 October) in the U.S. Supreme court regarding a separate lawsuit, 'Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum' brought by Nigerian refugees. On this occasion, Shell is accused of helping the Nigerian military to systematically torture and kill activists in the 1990s [4].

Alali Efanga, one of the four plaintiffs from Oruma (Bayelsa State) in Nigeria, said, “Since the spill, I have lost most of my income. Now we live from hand to mouth: sometimes I go into the bush to get what's necessary and other times a company gives me a day’s work, earning 500 Naira (3 Euros).”

The UN itself has recognised that Shell has not met legal environmental standards and has not cleaned up leaked oil, or it has done so insufficiently for decades. Moreover, Shell’s own sustainability report stated that the number of spills due to poor maintenance doubled in 2011, rising from 32 to 64.

In May 2012, Friends of the Earth International delivered 70,000 signatures to Shell CEO Peter Voser, where he was asked that Shell start cleaning up its spills in the Niger Delta. The signatures were collected by the organisation SumOfUs in close cooperation with Friends of the Earth and Amnesty International.

***

Notes:

[1] The biographies, profiles and stories of the plaintiffs are available here and here.

[2] Access the timeline of the court case

[3] Photos of the oil spillages, along with legal documents and fact sheets about the legal proceedings, are available here and here.

The path to Food Sovereignty – understand what it means

2012-10-21T13:46:37+02:00

Several years ago, a slogan appeared and it has been repeated in many rural settings. With renewed dignity, farming areas claim in all languages on the planet, with force and certainty, their Food Sovereignty. What meaning is hidden by these two words capable of uniting more than 200 million rural people globally? Why has it managed to bring together such culturally diverse people, including the urban world? How has this paradigm managed to form a global social movement?

Food Sovereignty is the answer for building a new food model, breaking the current globalised industrial farming model that, since many years ago, has already lost its initial purpose of being a livelihood and provide food for the population.

To try to explain this proposal, here's a simple overview with the aim that you can join the full journey. A journey carried out and organised from the base, from the people, from the fight.

This is an extract from the article La ruta de la Soberanía Alimentaria (Spanish only) in the magazine Soberanía alimentaria, biodiversidad y culturas.

Friends of the Earth urges governments to face up to the problem of starvation at the world food crisis summit

2012-10-21T13:26:32+02:00

Friends of the Earth urges governments to face up to the problem of starvation; agroecological and local methods are key to feeding the global population

On World Food Day, while the World Summit on Food Security in Rome debates the food crisis, Friends of the Earth publishes a new report. The document highlights that the United States, the UK and other countries are financing GMO farming to the detriment of more suitable ways of tackling starvation [1].

Since 2008, with the escalation in food prices, various governments have started to defend agriculture's “sustainable intensification” as a new way to increase production without any damage to the environment.

This could have been expected. However, Friends of the Earth's new report investigates exactly what this new approach means and shows that, despite public support for ecological methods on the part of some governments, financing continues to be greater for GMO farming and other agribusiness that only favour corporate interests.

The UK, the United States and the Gates Foundation have spent hundreds of millions of Euros on technological solutions, including GMO crop cultivation, to resolve the hunger problem. The UK's International Development Department's biggest research project provided 70 million GBP for investigating GMO technology. Between 2005 and 2011, the Gates Foundation also spent 162 million USD on biotechnology projects and the United States' International Development Agency has been following a strategy centred on the same type of technology.

Meanwhile, with GMO cultivation the food crisis isn't being tackled. To date, there is no evidence that these crops are more productive and that they have a greater yield. There are no crops resistant to climate change nor drought. But it has been shown that GMO crops have drastically increased seed prices and the application of agrochemicals.

Kirtana Chandrasekaran, manager of Friends of the Earth's food sovereignty campaign, said, “UN studies have positioned techniques used by ecological farming as viable solutions for exiting the food crisis. However, if we look as bit deeper, some governments and financial backers support GMO cultivation, favouring business interests, instead of favouring general interest though local agriculture. This behaviour questions the credibility of some governments, such as the US and UK, for ending hunger, and of financial backers such as the Gates Foundation.”

Friends of the Earth urges world leaders to support agroecology for putting an end to starvation and reject agrofuels, which increase the price of food using cultivation grounds for creating fuel in the middle of a food crisis [2].

The solutions are already up and running. Farmers worldwide are leading the way with processes for promoting agriculture that feeds the majority of the population and provides a road map that allows us to end hunger. Various UN reports have agreed on the need to increase funds for promoting local, ecological agriculture, studying agroecology and strengthening local markets [3].

***

Notes:

[1] Read the new report from Friends of the Earth International or the report summary.

[2] Summary of the report Food not fuel: agrofuels, food prices and hunger.

[3] In April 2008, a study of 400 multidisciplinary scientists and many international organisations concluded that agroecology, local trade and support for local farmers is the best way to face up to starvation and poverty. More information on the IAASTD website.

In 2009, the UN report Agroecology and the right to food called for agroecology to be promoted as the main path to end hunger and achieve the right to food.

Poisonous Fire campaign

2012-09-28T09:46:44+02:00

Let's stop gas burning in Nigeria!

Amics de la Terra invites you to sign up to the international campaign to put a stop to this situation. Add your signature! You'll join thousands of other people asking for justice from Shell.

We all have a right to life and health! This petition is part of the Poisonous Fire project, supported by the Direcció General de Cooperació del Govern Balear.

Sign the Friends of the Earth petition!

You can watch the video here.

Round table on food imports to Spain and local alternatives

2012-07-06T11:07:09+02:00

On Thursday 14 June 2012 at 7pm, Amics de la Terra will present the main findings of the report 'Food kilometres' on the impact of importing foods to Spain.

Representatives of the Farmers' Union and APAEMA (the Association for Organic Farming in Mallorca) will take part. We'll look in depth at the reasons why, nowadays, the majority of the foods that we eat are imported, while local farmers have to fight every day to earn a decent living.

The event also aims to act as a loudspeaker to introduce the initiatives being put into place for the production and consumption of local and organic produce.

The round table will include:

Marien González (Friends of the Earth): will present the main conclusions from the report 'Food kilometres'
Mateu Morro (Farmers' Union): will set out the limitations and the opportunities for local food production
Nofre Fullana (APAEMA): will share some examples of production and consumption of organic products in Mallorca

Thursday 14 June 2012 at 7pm, CENTRE FLASSADERS* (c/ Ferreria, 10, Palma)

Download the flyer:

Presentacio Aliments Km a Flassaders

Amics de la Terra for World Environment Day: 'Is this the Mallorca we want?'

2012-06-26T11:09:10+02:00

6 June 2012: On World Environment Day, Amics de la Terra asked the government to:

"think about" the environmental and urban policy that it's allowing
"eliminate this threat to spaces of incalculable natural value and the source of wealth for the future".

We will present 2,000 signatures -- collected from among our members and supporters under the slogan 'Is this the Mallorca that we want?' -- to the President of the Executive on Tuesday at 12pm.