The “Calvianers Sostenibles” beach monitoring project triumphs at the Calvià Environmental Awards

The Multifunctional Hall of the Refugi de Galatzó hosted the IV Edition of the Calvià Environmental Awards on Saturday, February 8, an annual event that recognizes the most innovative and committed initiatives in sustainability and conservation within the municipality, in areas such as environmental restoration, biodiversity, ecological awareness, and waste reduction.

In total, six projects have been awarded a combined sum of 15,000 euros, along with five other projects that received stays at the Refugi de Galatzó.

The gala, attended by Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual, members of the municipal government, various professionals from the sector, and representatives of the winning entities, featured audiovisual presentations and live performances, making it a dynamic and engaging event.

The Mayor of Calvià, Juan Antonio Amengual, emphasized the importance of these awards in driving initiatives that contribute to environmental improvement and sustainability in the municipality. Additionally, during the event, two documentaries on the Finca de Galatzó, created by filmmakers Luis Ortas and Ángel Galmés, were presented, highlighting the ethnographic value of the public estate and its significance as a natural landmark.

With these awards, the Ajuntament de Calvià reaffirms its commitment to environmental conservation and support for projects that promote sustainable development, engaging the community in local environmental protection efforts.

These were the awarded projects:

• First Prize (€4,000)

Calvianers Sostenibles Project (IES Son Ferrer, IES Calvià, and IES Bendinat)

This beach monitoring project analyzes the environmental impact of waste on the shores and raises awareness among students. The initiative, which received third place last year, has introduced several new elements: each high school now sponsors a primary school with which it collaborates, and the tourism sector has been involved by including local businesses and tourists in the project.

• Second Prize (€3,000)

AMIPA of CEIP Son Ferrer

The awarded project focuses on improving the schoolyard by creating a system of vertical planters on different walls of the school, using various designs to establish a natural and healthy environment. Students will take part in planting and maintaining the greenery.

• Four Third Prizes (€2,000 each)

Best Environmental Restoration and Cleanup Initiative: Asociación Protemar

The project involves land and seabed cleanups at various points along the Calvià coastline throughout 2025. Asociación Protemar has extensive experience in environmental cleanups, conducting a variety of activities, including underwater, beach, land, and stream cleanups. This project is designed for long-term continuity with a comprehensive and diverse cleanup plan.

Best Biodiversity Promotion or Study Initiative: Asociación ASDICA

This organization proposes the creation and installation of nesting boxes with predator protection systems, built by young members of ASDICA. These boxes will be placed in the Finca de Galatzó and private gardens of association members.

Best Environmental Awareness and Education Initiative: Red Cross

This project involves environmental monitoring by kayak of anchorages over Posidonia seagrass in Portals Vells beach, supplemented by on-land waste collection activities. This work will be carried out by four volunteers from June to the end of September.

Best Sustainability Promotion Initiative: IES Calvià

The school will develop a 450 m² school garden divided into 35 plots, where approximately 200 students in their second and third years of secondary school will engage in hands-on learning about organic farming and sustainability. These students are part of the elective subject Cooperation and Community Services within the Biology Department.

Recognition for Other Notable Initiatives:

In addition to the prize winners, five projects have been recognized with a four-person stay at the Refugi de Galatzó:

• AMIPA IES Bendinat, for creating an outdoor Biology classroom with picnic tables featuring integrated games and a green roof with climbing plants.

• APAEMA, for training local livestock farmers in holistic management, a technique that improves soil quality and pastures.

• SEO Birdlife, for developing a guide to the coastal birds of Calvià, highlighting the most representative marine species in the municipality.

• Blue Marina Puerto Portals, for creating an educational space dedicated to marine environment awareness, offering a range of activities such as talks and workshops on sustainability and marine natural heritage.

• Obra Cultural Balear, for its training project on grafting techniques in the public space “Ses Quarterades que m’agraden,” managed in collaboration with the Ajuntament.