A note from the editor Vanessa Byrne / Managing Director
Welcome to our June edition! I must say, our creative director and chief designer, Juanjo, has outdone himself this month. This cover is one of my favorites so far: vibrant, thoughtful, and full of energy. As the summer sun begins to warm the Rock, Gibraltar’ s natural and cultural wonders step into the spotlight, none more iconic than our Barbary macaques. Europe’ s only non-captive monkey population, they are more than just photogenic residents of the Upper Rock. They are living stories of social complexity, family dynamics, and a mirror to our own human behaviour.
In this edition, Emily Rumble takes us inside the daily lives of the Royal Anglian Way troop, where grooming is currency, hierarchy is everything, and even outcasts like“ Max” have their place in a drama both ancient and ever-changing. The macaques remind us of the importance of observing respectfully, and of the profound intelligence we share with other species, a theme that threads through much of this month’ s issue.
Across the border in La Línea de la Concepción, another story of resilience is unfolding. Princess Sofia Park, born out of the hardship of Gibraltar’ s border closure, has become a powerful symbol of community revival. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers like Eladio and the group Los Locos del Parque, this once-neglected space is once again alive with birdsong, laughter, and purpose. Yet the park’ s future remains fragile, threatened by vandalism and night-time misuse. As Eladio says, true protection comes not from fences but from love and from a community that believes nature is worth fighting for.
Further afield in the Mediterranean, we travel with Juanlu González through myth and memory in his beautiful tribute to the wild olive tree. From sacred crowns worn by Olympians to antioxidant-rich oils now prized in haute cuisine, the wild olive stands tall, literally and metaphorically, as a symbol of endurance, health, and our deep connection to the land. In pro- tecting this tree, we preserve more than biodiversity; we preserve a vital piece of cultural heritage.
That same connection between nature and well-being is celebrated through three certified Andalusian companies offering immersive emotional experiences. From forest therapy retreats to horse-assisted mindfulness in protected natural parks, these programs represent ecotourism at its best; blending healing, sustainability, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
In this month’ s Marchapie feature, we welcome Silvia Casorran, one of Spain’ s leading voices in sustainable mobility. Her decades of work, from Barcelona’ s cycling revolution to national policy advocacy, remind us that the transition to greener cities begins with infrastructure and political will, but ultimately depends on people. With climate and health crises converging, the humble bicycle offers a quiet, powerful solution.
Nature’ s Way, by Owen Wiseman, explores another form of resilience: urban parks as protectors against the growing threat of urban heat islands. As temperatures rise, these green havens are no longer luxuries, they are lifelines. Meanwhile, Clubhouse Minds marks Pride Month with a feature on the intersection of identity and neurodivergence, celebrating the healing power of visibility and community. And in Natural Swap, we tackle the surprising environmental impact of bathroom waste, offering simple, impactful alternatives to everyday products, like switching out unrecyclable toothpaste tubes for glass jars or tablets.
As June blooms, let this issue encourage you to look a little closer, at the wild monkey in your lens, the olive tree on your plate, the park bench beneath your feet. These are not just elements of our environment. They are stories of survival, belonging, and hope.
Peace and love always x
OTWO 71 / JUNE 2025 5