A new chapter for Menorca Preservation

Menorca Preservation enters a new chapter with Irene Estaún as the Foundation’s new Executive Director

After nine years leading the organisation, Rebecca Morris leaves behind a well-established foundation that has committed more than €2 million to nature conservation in Menorca and supported over 110 environmental projects.

Menorca Preservation is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Irene Estaún as the Foundation’s new Executive Director. She joins the organisation at a time of significant growth and consolidation, as Menorca Preservation looks to expand its impact on nature conservation across the island in the years ahead.

The appointment follows nine years of leadership by Rebecca Morris, who has guided the Foundation since its inception, helping to establish it as one of Menorca’s leading environmental organisations. During her tenure, Menorca Preservation has committed more than €2 million to protecting the island’s natural heritage and has supported over 110 environmental projects led by local organisations.

The Foundation has also developed a number of its own flagship initiatives, including the Plastic Free Menorca Alliance, the circular economy project PescArt Menorca, the regenerative agriculture training programme MENORCA PRESERVADA, and, most recently, the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve Forum.

This growth is reflected in the organisation’s impact on the ground. Over the past nine years, Menorca Preservation has enabled more than 6,000 children to take part in environmental education activities, supported the removal of over 14,800 kg of litter from the island’s natural environments, backed more than 20 research projects and scientific initiatives to improve understanding and protection of Menorca’s biodiversity, and supported the transition of S’Ullestrar Farm towards regenerative agriculture.

The results achieved at S’Ullestrar are already highly encouraging. Since the project began in 2023, milk production has increased by 19.45% despite a 17% reduction in the number of cows. The farm is also expected to complete its transition this year by obtaining organic certification.

Throughout this period, Menorca Preservation has become an important catalyst for conservation on the island, bringing together businesses, environmental organisations, donors, local communities and public authorities to mobilise resources and support projects capable of delivering lasting environmental impact.

As a member of the Conservation Collective network of environmental foundations, Menorca Preservation has channelled international funding into local conservation initiatives while sharing knowledge and best practice with partner foundations around the world.

This collaborative approach has also been reflected in the Foundation’s close partnership with Ibiza & Formentera Preservation and Mallorca Preservation, working together to address some of the Balearic Islands’ most pressing environmental challenges. By coordinating efforts, sharing expertise and developing joint initiatives, the three organisations have helped accelerate conservation projects whose impact extends well beyond the boundaries of a single island.

Rebecca Morris leaves behind a Foundation with a clear strategy for the years ahead, a strengthened team and a robust network of donors, partners and environmental organisations, placing Menorca Preservation in a strong position to continue expanding its impact across the island.

“When we started in 2017, Menorca Preservation was an ambitious idea with enormous potential, but there was still everything to build. Today, it has become an established organisation that mobilises resources, drives conservation projects and, above all, brings together people and organisations around a shared purpose: protecting Menorca. It has been a real privilege to have been part of that journey from the very beginning,” says Rebecca Morris.

Irene Estaún takes on the role of Executive Director with the aim of building on the work carried out over the past nine years and leading the Foundation through its next phase of growth. Bringing extensive experience in organisational leadership and strategic partnerships, she joins Menorca Preservation at a particularly exciting moment, as the Foundation continues to strengthen its capacity to support environmental organisations across Menorca.

“As Executive Director, I come to listen, learn, build partnerships and help drive both our existing goals and new initiatives. Our vision for the future is an island that is a haven for biodiversity. An island with resilient, organic and regenerative agriculture. An island surrounded by a well-protected sea that is a source of life. An island leading the way in decarbonisation and climate action. And an island with a society that is highly aware of and respectful towards its natural environment, creating opportunities for present and future generations.”, says Irene Estaún.

For Peter Sweatman, Chair of Menorca Preservation, the leadership transition represents a natural step in the evolution of an organisation that has now reached a significant level of maturity.

“On behalf of the Patronato, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Rebecca Morris for her outstanding leadership over the past nine years and for building Menorca Preservation into a strong foundation delivering real impact for the conservation of the island. As we look to the future, we are delighted to welcome Irene Estaún, whose experience leading Menorca’s Biosphere Reserve, the Menorca 2030 Roadmap, and collaborative initiatives bringing together public authorities, businesses and civil society is closely aligned with both our mission and the way we work. We look ahead with the ambition of expanding our support for Menorca’s environmental champions, mobilising greater resources and stronger partnerships to accelerate transformative projects across land, sea, clean energy, and the reduction of plastic use and pollution.”

Nearly nine years after its creation, Menorca Preservation looks to the future with a continued commitment to mobilising resources, strengthening partnerships and supporting the people and organisations working every day to protect Menorca’s unique natural environment.