The director of Diocesan Caritas of Ibiza and Formentera, Juan Torres Marí, has published a message where he describes 2024 as “a year of great impacts”. In his writing, he frankly addresses the main social challenges that have shaken the Pitiusas: the increase of small boats, the housing crisis and the devastating effects of the DANA.
Significant increase in the arrival of small boats
One of the points highlighted by Torres Marí is the 200% increase in the arrival of small boats to the coasts of Formentera. This phenomenon, which highlights the lack of resources to assist migrants, has generated concern in both institutions and the community.
Torres Marí stresses the need to act humanely and to strengthen reception infrastructures in the face of this ever-growing challenge.
The housing crisis and informal settlements
The director of Caritas has also focused on the housing crisis, which he considers one of the most serious problems of the Pitiusas. As he explains, the lack of affordable housing and high prices have driven the proliferation of informal settlements. In this context, the organization has responded to the eviction of the Can Rova settlement by opening the doors of the Centre d’Acollida Natzaret, where the most vulnerable people have been given shelter. “We will remain open as long as we can, and if we can’t, we will remain open too,” Torres Marí states in his letter.
The DANA and its impact on solidarity
The year 2024 will also be remembered for the DANA, an extreme weather phenomenon that left significant damage in several regions. Torres Marí highlights solidarity and generosity, especially among young people, as one of the great lessons of this tragedy. Although donations for local needs have decreased, Torres Marí points out that the humanitarian response has been overwhelming and that Caritas, both in Ibiza and in other regions, has been present to help those affected.
Social reflection and future solidarity
The Caritas director concludes his message by calling for a profound social reflection. “Social changes of this magnitude affect the whole of society and, as a society, we will have to react,” he stresses. Torres Marí advocates a reorientation of resources towards the neediest areas in order to build “a more just and supportive future”.
