A note from the editor Vanessa Byrne / Managing Director
Welcome to March ' s vibrant OTWO edition ! February brought dynamic updates from our region , and we ' re eager to share a curated selection .
In recent news , OTWO Magazine and COAM- BA proudly renew their collaboration , emphasizing our joint commitment to environmental culture and knowledge dissemination . This partnership , initiated in 2021 , provides a dedicated platform for Andalusian environmental professionals , symbolizing our shared dedication to addressing the climate crisis .
In Gibraltar , an exploration delves into the potential transformation into a Garden City , championing sustainable communities . Led by the Gibraltar Horticultural Society and Carmel Khalilian , the event featured presentations , workshops , and discussions centered on Garden City principles .
The long-awaited book , " The Diurnal Birds of Prey of the Province of Cádiz and the Rock of Gibraltar ," is set to unveil in early March , showcasing two years of tireless work by a dedicated team of specialists .
On the environmental front , the Nautilus Project diligently raises awareness about nurdle pollution . Recent monitoring identified plastic pellets along the Camp Bay shoreline , aligning with global efforts to combat the widespread nurdle pollution crisis .
Creative Director Juan José Trujillo Reyes hosted a thought-provoking conference titled " 3 Hoaxes and 3 Hopes : Lies and Environment ," exploring the evolution of environmentalism and questioning the efficacy of " Carbon Neutrality ." He shed light on concerns about the financial sector appropriating environmentalist language . For further details on these developments , turn to page 10 .
Don ' t miss our Culture in Green section featuring recommended books , podcasts , films , websites , and events dedicated to the environment and sustainability . This month ' s highlighted event is Earth Hour on March 25th , urging everyone to turn off lights and dedicate 60 minutes to concrete action for the planet . Find ways to get involved on page 23 .
In this month ' s data analysis , Dahabitat presents insights into progress toward doubling the use of recycled materials by 2030 , emphasizing the need for substantial efforts . Details are on the informative design on page 24 .
Meet Mark Cooper , the organizer and founder of the Med Steps Challenge , in our interview on page 28 . Consider signing up for this 10th-anniversary event – the OTWO team is eagerly awaiting the kickoff !
From the Med Steps to the origins of the famous calentita recipe in Gibraltar , Miguel J Ruiz Torres shares insights on the recipe and its delicious ' local ' origins . Explore this interesting write-up on page 36 .
Trusted Novus Bank ’ s article on page 52 emphasizes the crucial role of governance in Environmental , Social , and Governance ( ESG ) criteria for assessing a company ' s sustainability . It underscores the strategic imperative of prioritizing governance for long-term sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship .
Anthony Pitaluga introduces a new regular article on weekend breaks , exploring the spike in short-term travel and the reasons behind it . Check out his insights on page 56 .
This month , Juanlu Gonzaloez delves into the historical and architectural aspects of the marabout annexed to the Visigothic hermitage of San Ambrosio . Challenge conventional narratives and explore the unique features of this Islamic religious building on page 66 .
Explore the featured highlights of this month : Nature ' s Way , Natural Swap , Astronomy Image of the Month , Clubhouse Minds , and Flower of the Month . Don ' t miss two significant events this year supporting our sustainable lifestyle : Disconnect / Reconnect on April 7th and our 3rd Eco Festival celebrating World Environment Day and World Bicycle Day on June 1st and 2nd at the Europa Pool . Sign up and relish quality time with your family !
A heartfelt thank you to all who support , read , and collaborate with us . Together , we will continue working towards making this world a better place .
Peace and love to all !
OTWO 56 / MARCH 2024 5