A note from the editor Vanessa Byrne / Managing Director
A warm and sunny welcome to our June edition ! This month , we are thrilled to dive into the pool scene and celebrate World Environment Day and World Bicycle Day with our annual Eco Festival . In next month ' s edition , we ' ll share the highlights of this incredible event , made possible by the generous support of numerous organizations and companies ..
In this month ’ s news shorts , we focus on urgent environmental issues :
European Environment Agency ( EEA ): Stresses the need for stronger action to transition from a linear to a circular economy , reduce waste , and improve recycling . The European Commission has banned non-recyclable plastic waste exports to non-EU countries to curb global pollution .
Colombian Amazon : Illegal road construction has led to over 900 hectares of forest loss , impacting biodiversity , ecosystems , and indigenous communities . Strengthening protection measures and promoting sustainable alternatives are crucial .
Greenland Ice Melt : May 2024 saw a record ice melt , significantly contributing to rising sea levels and emphasizing the rapid progression of climate change . Urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is essential .
Our dahabitat section reveals that the EU generates a staggering 131 kg of food waste per person annually . This contrast between waste and global starvation highlights the disjointed nature of our world .
On page 28 , Annabelle Codali Mor explores the concept of Liquid Trees as a potential solution to urban pollution and air quality improvement . Carlito Bughairs follows on page 34 with insights from the Global Water Summit , discussing innovative solutions to global water issues .
COAMBA returns with part 2 of their article on the circular economy on page 42 , emphasizing the importance of adopting circular economic models in both private and public organizations . The EU is funding initiatives to promote the reuse and recovery of waste , significantly reducing environmental impact . It is worth mentioning in this report the illustration work done by Janira , Esther and Ángel as students selected by the School of Art of Cádiz to do an internship in our magazine . It is exciting to see such talent .
The Energy Vision Group shares insights into their sustainable energy solutions , while Trusted Novus Bank discusses the importance of ESG reporting in banks for transparency and corporate responsibility ( page 52 ).
We are delighted to present on page 56 the relationship between the painter Julio Serrano and nature . This magnificent artist , recently recovered from oblivion thanks to the work of the historian and researcher José Antonio Pleguezuelo , has been a real discovery . In addition , together with the Ateneo de la Bahía Campo de Gibraltar , they have published a book on his life and work , a publication as necessary as it is surprising .
Juanlu Gonzalez ’ s Narrowing the Straits column ( page 70 ) honors Abbas Ibn Firnás , a 9th-century Andalusian scholar celebrated as a pioneer of aviation . Despite his significant contributions , his legacy is often overlooked in the West , underscoring selective amnesia in Spanish historiography .
Owen Wiseman ’ s Nature ’ s Way ( page 88 ) delves into the benefits of forest schools . Originating in Denmark in 1952 , these schools immerse children in nature , fostering physical , emotional , and intellectual growth . Studies show they improve fitness , coordination , problem-solving , and resilience while reducing stress and anxiety .
This month , Clubhouse focuses on mental health issues in the LGBTQ + community . Acceptance and support from family and friends are crucial . A member from Clubhouse Gibraltar shares their positive experience , emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for fostering self-confidence and happiness .
Thank you all for your continued support . If you ' d like to share articles or suggest content for our magazine , we always appreciate your feedback . Please reach out to us at md @ otwomag . com . Together , we are stronger .
Peace and love to all .
OTWO 59 / JUNE 2024 7