The draft stewardship contracts with owners and managers of archaeological sites are presented

The Governing Council and the Social Council of the Talayotic Menorca Agency (TMA) met this week at Consell Insular de Menorca to assess the actions implemented by the Agency over the last two years (2023–2025) and to set out the strategic roadmap for the coming period.

The president of the TMA and Councillor for Culture, Education, Youth and Sports, Joan Pons Torres, presented the draft version of the stewardship contracts to be signed with owners and managers of archaeological sites within the Talayotic Menorca framework. These agreements between the administration and the private owners and managers of listed sites aim to define the rights and responsibilities of the owners, as well as the compensation to be provided by the administration for fulfilling these commitments. This public-private partnership outlines a clear framework for joint action by both the landowners and Consell Insular de Menorca.

The stewardship contracts go beyond routine maintenance, which until now has been managed by Consell Insular de Menorca. They are designed to allow the administration to take on more financial responsibility, provided that owners comply with specific obligations. These contracts are currently under review by the administration, and once the review is complete, they will be ready to be signed by both parties.

During the meeting, the report submitted to UNESCO was also presented. This document outlines how the recommendations made by the international organisation are being followed. It has been drafted in line with the Management Plan for the Talayotic Menorca and complies with the policies and guidelines adopted by the World Heritage Committee. The response to UNESCO, which was first approved by a majority within the TMA Scientific Council, was also ratified by the Governing Council.

Upcoming projects
Antoni Ferrer, Director of the Talayotic Menorca Agency, reviewed the main actions carried out by the Agency between 2023 and 2025 and highlighted the key challenges for the future. In this regard, excavation and restoration work is set to begin in the coming days at the central talayot of Torre d’en Galmés. This project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Ministry of Culture, which also supported the recent restoration of the wall at Son Catlar.

Additionally, the re-excavation and restoration of the north-western sector of Trepucó is planned, and the project is currently in the tendering phase. This area was excavated in the 1980s and now requires renewed excavation and structural reinforcement to ensure long-term preservation. The project is being funded by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda.