8 new projects to protect Menorca’s natural and cultural heritage

Led by local organisations, these initiatives range from marine conservation and scientific monitoring to environmental education, sustainable fishing and the preservation of livestock heritage.

There are many ways to care for an island. Some begin at sea, others in the classroom, on a farm, on a surfboard, or at dawn, following the flight of migratory birds. All share the same aim: to protect the natural and cultural heritage that makes Menorca unique.

During the first half of 2026, at Menorca Preservation we have supported eight new projects led by local organisations working every day to conserve biodiversity, generate scientific knowledge, strengthen the primary sector and bring nature closer to the public. These initiatives reflect the many ways of caring for Menorca: from research and education to sustainable fishing and the conservation of species and habitats.

Learn through Surfing (Surf and Clean) – €6,406.55

An environmental education programme that uses surfing and direct contact with the sea to introduce children to the marine environment and inspire a new generation committed to its conservation.

Seeing is believing (GOB Menorca) – €9,900

A project that brings the richness and fragility of Menorca’s seabed closer to the public through educational activities and experiences that foster knowledge and respect for the sea.

Migratory birds ringing campaign (Societat Ornitològica de Menorca) – €4,900

This project continues the scientific monitoring of migratory birds that stop over on the Illa de l’Aire during their migration routes. The data collected helps us better understand population trends and guide their conservation.

Calant Xarxes 2026 (Fundació Marilles) – €6,250

A project that encourages knowledge exchange between fishers and island communities to strengthen artisanal fishing and move towards more participatory and sustainable management of marine resources.

Monitoring vulnerable fish species in the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve (OBSAM-IME) – €8,120

Since 2018, this project has monitored the fish species most vulnerable to fishing through visual surveys. The data allows us to assess whether protection measures are delivering results and to continue improving the management of the Marine Reserve. In 2026, the project is supported by Edmiston through its partnership with Conservation Collective.

Posidonia monitoring and the pilot education programme Posidonia a l’aula (OBSAM-IME) – €10,790

This project combines scientific monitoring of the state of Posidonia meadows with the pilot education programme Posidonia a l’aula, which introduces this key Mediterranean ecosystem to students in Menorca to encourage knowledge and conservation from the classroom.

Moby Mummy: sperm whales north of Menorca (Tursiops Association) – €10,000

A research project focused on the sperm whale breeding area north of Menorca. The project will expand knowledge of this population and contribute to its protection through scientific monitoring and the study of its behaviour.

Genealogy of the Menorcan breed (Associació de Ramaders de Bestiar Boví de Raça Menorca) – €13,125

A project that contributes to the conservation of the Menorcan cow through the updating of its genealogy and the strengthening of the genetic improvement programme, an essential tool for preserving this native breed linked to the island’s landscape, biodiversity and agricultural heritage.

Through these eight projects, at Menorca Preservation we continue to support initiatives that generate knowledge, engage the public and help protect the island’s natural and cultural heritage, showing that conservation is the result of joint work between organisations, the scientific community, the primary sector and civil society.