
M
allorca, Menorca, and Ibiza have joined forces in a bold, year‑long inter‑island initiative titled Weaving the Future (Tejiendo el Futuro), funded by Mallorca Preservation, Menorca Preservation, and IbizaPreservation, with support from Depeche Mode, Hublot, and the Conservation Collective. Weaving the Future is one of over 38 grants awarded by the Mallorca Preservation Foundation, which, since its 2017 inception, has invested in sustainability-focused programs spanning marine conservation, biodiversity, ecological farming, and environmental education. As Nebiyat Bertran, Communications Manager for Mallorca Preservation explains, “Although each island has its own defining characteristics, we have many points in common, and collaborating on projects is a way to strengthen their impact.”
Weaving the Future aims to address the issue of marine waste through three areas of action: scientific research, promotion of the circular economy, and citizen awareness. Plastic analysis is the main part of the scientific research and underwater dives have been taking place all year. Bertran states that: “Data is being collected to complement existing databases, and the more information we gather, the more reliable the results will be. This analysis allows us to identify the most common types of plastics. However, until a more specific study is carried out, we won’t be able to determine with certainty which ones are the most polluting.”
When it comes to the promotion of a circular economy, the project draws inspiration from Menorca’s PescArt initiative—where old fishing nets are transformed into artwork. The project identifies recyclable plastic waste and collaborates with designers, artisans, and businesses to give it new life. This collective effort will culminate in a year‑end gathering in Menorca, bringing the people who participated for a hands‑on workshop and exchange of ideas on using recycled materials.