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What is the GOB
GOB promotes the defence of environmental values and the balance between human activities and nature conservation
 GOB Majorca |
 GOB Ibiza |
 GOB Formentera |
The Balearic Group for Ornithology and Defence of Nature, known as G.O.B. -acronym of Grup Ornitologic Balear-, is an independent, non-profit association dedicated to the study, the popularization and the defence of the environment in the Balearic Islands (Spain). It is sustained by the donation of members and sympathizers, the production of services related to environment and the sale of books and other promotional materials.
These are the main activities of the G.O.B.:
- Study and protection of wild fauna and flora, especially species in danger: evaluation of the impact of electric towers on birds, the Centre for the recovery of injured wild animals, a reserve of tortoises that have been in captivity, campaigns against use of poisons and furtive hunters, Vivarium of autochthonous plants...
- Defence of natural areas from destructive activities: proposal of alternatives for the urbanistic planification, detection and report of illegal building operations, publication of the problems and possible solutions related to natural landscapes, regeneration of degraded zones, promotion of Marine Reserves...
- Popularization of the environment: conferences, meetings, exhibitions, excursions, edition of posters, brochures and reports, edition of books, education on environment for children and adults, summer camps for children, Nature Centre...
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ about GOB
Who is in charge of GOB?
The governing body is the members’ assembly, which meets twice a year. The assembly approves the accounts and appoints members to the Board of Directors, which at present is made up of 25 volunteers, including the president. Every two months the Board of Directors holds a meeting in which main decisions are taken. Every year a percentage of the Board of Directors is renewed.
How does GOB survive? Does it rely on grants? Is it sponsored by companies?
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Membership fees 11%.
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Donations and private sponsorships 14%;
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Sales 15%.
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Agreements with the public administration 30%.
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Service revenue 30%.
In order to maintain its independence, GOB tries to diversify its finance resources as much as possible. The basic revenue created last year was as follows:
(Agreements established with the public administration are not considered non-recoverable funds. Funding is provided in exchange for activities and services, such as environmental education requested by schools).
Why is it so important to become a member of GOB?
Because membership fees are the source of income which confers most independence and support to the activities embarked upon. Membership fees can be directly invested in GOB’s mission.
Who is in control of the accounts?
The executive board supervises the accounts periodically throughout the year. An independent company audits the annual accounts. The Members Assembly approves the budget and accounts once the financial year is closed and audited.
Why doesn’t GOB do something about...?
There are so many matters to be addressed and GOB has limited resources. GOB therefore prioritises certain issues while others have to wait. If the number of members and collaborators could be increased, GOB would be able to address a greater number of issues. Your collaboration is very welcome.
Is GOB too radical? Is it too weak?
At the last Island Congress for Responsible Environmentalism, GOB committed to being at the forefront of the defence of the island’s environmental values, and at the same time taking into consideration the people who live and work in Menorca by offering alternative solutions to situations which need improving.
Can anyone get involved with GOB or is it restricted to certain people?
On the contrary, everybody is welcome. We openly encourage everyone to participate. “The more, the better”. More members will enable us to broaden the subject matters we address. Come and visit us (link) and find out for yourself.
Is it politicized?
GOB is independent of any political party. Nevertheless, it participates in political debates in which environmental issues are discussed and openly establishes dialogue with any political party willing to listen to its’ position.
Why doesn’t GOB stand at the elections?
We do believe in the importance of the organisation and the necessity for people to take an active part in decision making.
However, GOB’s aim is not to govern, but to promote awareness so that the public will encourage the political leaders to respect the environment.
Can GOB ban or punish certain actions?
No. This power lies only with the public administration. GOB is a civic body.
Does GOB spend most of its time making formal complaints?
Our aim is to achieve a good balance between human activity and the conservation of nature through dialogue and respect of the law.
Nevertheless, when GOB becomes aware of a case which seriously fails to comply with environmental regulations, we communicate the situation to the relevant authority, which in turn, decides whether a sanction is appropriate.
GOB likes always to ensure that the authorities comply with the law.
Is GOB not too pragmatic? Does it not focus too much on the theoretical aspect of a case?
GOB works with long-term vision. The only way to achieve a policy which truly respects the environment is to change the mentality of the people. This is a very lengthy process and requires GOB to make an in depth analysis of the different situations, work with perseverance and use good communication skills.
If you have any further queries, please feel free to ask GOB by sending us a message.
