The Menorca Biosphere Reserve Agency approves a new call for BGreen grants for tourism companies for sustainability projects

The Menorca Biosphere Reserve Agency has approved this week the new call for BGreenMenorca grants for 2024, aimed at promoting sustainable actions in tourist and commercial establishments on the island. This initiative, which is part of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve Action Plan 2018-2025, will have a total budget of €650,000.

The new call for BGreenMenorca grants aims to promote sustainable actions that include reducing waste, improving energy and water efficiency, conserving green areas and reducing light pollution. This initiative, aligned with the values ??of sustainability and responsible development of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve, aims to involve the private sector in the preservation of the island's natural heritage.

The eligible lines of action will be 5:

- Outdoor lighting.

- Sustainable waste management.

- Sustainable green areas and biomass management.

- Water efficiency.

- Energy efficiency.

Each project may receive up to 75% of the total cost of the action, with a maximum of 15,000 euros per action. Interested companies will be able to submit their applications once the call is published in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands, and the deadline will be 10 February 2025.

According to the Minister of the Department of Environment, Biosphere Reserve and Cooperation of the Consell Insular de Menorca, Simón Gornés, “this aid represents Menorca’s firm commitment to sustainability and the protection of its natural resources, involving the private sector in the transformation towards a greener future”.

The BGreenMenorca programme

The BGreenMenorca programme, promoted by the Agència Menorca Reserva de Biosphere, is an initiative of the Consell Insular de Menorca aimed at promoting actions to conserve, improve and restore natural heritage, as well as foster sustainability in the tourism sector of the Biosphere Reserve. Since its creation in 2021, the program has promoted the implementation of training projects, water and energy efficiency, restoration of natural spaces, sustainable waste management, sustainable gardening, creation of climate shelters and sustainable tourism. It also includes actions to facilitate the creation of accessible routes and the responsible management of urban green spaces.

Initially, the program was financed with funds from the Sustainable Tourism Tax of the Balearic Government and the Insular Council of Menorca. Currently, it is an initiative financed entirely by the Insular Council, consolidating itself as an essential pillar in the sustainability policies of the island.

This program represents not only an economic incentive for the tourism and commercial sector, but also a commitment to continue advancing the sustainability objectives of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve. With an expanded budget for 2024, the island's commitment to the protection of natural heritage and the promotion of responsible tourism on the island is reaffirmed.