After years of thought and frustration , we decided this year we had to launch Green Week City - Gibraltar .
Why did we do this ? For us it ’ s more a question of why has this not been done before . How can we increase awareness of our dire environmental situation if we do not out reach the population ? In these days , there is far too much focus on specific items without looking at the overall situation . For us it is how can we possibly have a public event for almost every good and worthy cause possible , but not have an event drawing attention to the main problem , the unnecessary and callous destruction of our planet our choices and lifestyle have caused .
We are far too focused on bicycle lanes and bicycles as if they were choices we had to make . The truth is far from that , we forget that there is already no room for the additional traffic created by all the new developments so essential for us to continue to prosper as a community . We forget we have to improve our health and look after the air we all breathe and ensure we all do our bit to heal at least some of the damage already caused to our environment . We have no choice on the matter , it just so happens that it makes sense to do this because of all the reasons stated , but in reality , we have no choice . It ’ s simply impossible to consider a Gibraltar without them .
At OTWO , from our inception , we have been tireless campaigners for these changes . Tireless advocates that it is up to each and every one of us to do our bit otherwise the changes will not come . Sustainability is at the centre of our actions . It was indeed gratifying to see so many hundreds of people and families enjoying this first event , so encouraging to hear so many speak to us in support not only from the people enjoying the event but from the many people that participated with their stalls and offers . All have confirmed their interest for the next event and are themselves grateful for the support and success of their individual projects , be they environmentally friendly products or services . Without doubt the people have spoken again loudly , Our World - Our Responsibility .
It was a privilege to hear so much local talent on stage , to see such graceful performances from all the dance groups and individuals taking part or hear the talent in our talks describing in passionate details how we have ended up where we are or how we can manage our expectations for a better future .
They are all covered in details elsewhere in this edition as they must be for it is only through education and information that we can assist people making better choices for the future .
Green Week Gibraltar was a pilot . An attempt at creating a sustainable event that will deliver awareness to our communities . It has been an overwhelming success and the OTWO team is not only encouraged by its success but is working on next year ’ s event to be announced soon . This experience is soon to be exported to adjoining cities in Spain . We will not stop working until we have a whole series of Green Week City events in the nearby Andalusia bringing better options for all .
OTWO is proud and grateful for the support we have received from the public and participants but we cannot finish this report without making reference to the EVG Group , Callaghan ’ s Insurance , Department of the Environment , and Lewis Stagnetto . The EVG Group is radically involved in changing the way we engineer for our future buildings and has backed the OTWO project from the beginning . Its unwavering support is for us both a source of confidence and determination to help change mind sets in Gibraltar and our surrounding areas . Callaghan Insurance , and Lewis Stagnetto again have demonstrated that local entrepreneurs are not only here for the benefit . That they are willing to support events that are there not for profit but for purpose . An example of true community spirit . Thank you for your confidence and support .
60 OTWO 48 / JULY 2023