The publication, prepared by naturalist Jordi Serapio for APAEEF, aims to promote knowledge about biodiversity on agricultural farms.
March 21, 2025 – The Association of Organic Farming Producers of Ibiza and Formentera (Apaeef), in collaboration with IbizaPreservation , yesterday presented the guide ‘Introduction to the biodiversity associated with agricultural estates in Ibiza and Formentera’ . The event took place at the Puig d’en Valls Cultural Center and was attended by naturalist Jordi Serapio, author of the document, biologist Samuel Pinya , from the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Jordi Salewski , coordinator of the Ibiza Produce program of IbizaPreservation, and Marina Cardona , president of Apaeef.
The guide aims to “promote knowledge about the biodiversity present on farms, understanding that this is a key tool for responsible land management,” explained Jordi Salewski. The diversity of biological organisms present in agricultural spaces is an excellent indicator for evaluating good practices and the sustainability of each farm’s management, noted the Ibiza Produce coordinator. “A decline in biodiversity associated with agricultural activity decreases resistance to pests and crop resilience,” continued Salewski, who noted that “promoting biodiversity through good practices strengthens the relationships between different biological groups, reduces dependence on external inputs, improves soil quality, and strengthens crops in the face of extreme weather events.”
For his part, Jordi Serapio , author of the guide, emphasized that “understanding and being able to assess the state of biodiversity on our farms is a key issue for farmers.” Therefore, the guide presented, which includes a general list of some of the most common species and biological groups present in the agricultural areas of Ibiza and Formentera, is “a basic tool for autonomously obtaining information on biodiversity on each farm and for assessing trends of improvement or deterioration in certain species or biological groups.” During his speech, Serapio advocated the use of citizen science tools that allow for ” methodical monitoring of biodiversity, sharing information, and contributing to more sustainable agriculture.”
“This is not an exhaustive or complete list, but rather a general approximation,” Serapio clarified. This initiative seeks to promote ecological and responsible agriculture, balancing sustainability with agricultural productivity. “The abandonment of agricultural activity endangers the conservation of species linked to traditional habitats, while certain inappropriate practices, such as intensification and the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals, have led to significant declines in insects and, consequently, in insectivorous birds,” the naturalist warned.
Marina Cardona, president of Apaeef, recalled that “one of the association’s main objectives is to promote organic farming as a sustainable and respectful agricultural practice in the Pitiusas Islands.” In this regard, she emphasized that Apaeef’s purpose is ” to promote the transformation of Ibiza and Formentera into agroecological islands , where agricultural production is developed in balance with the conservation of the natural environment.” Cardona emphasized that the development of the guide was possible thanks to the collaboration of IbizaPreservation and One Villas.
“Thanks to this work, farmers will be able to identify the biodiversity present on our farms, protect it, and promote it,” said the president of Apaeef. She also emphasized that this biodiversity not only contributes to the conservation of the natural heritage of flora and fauna, but also acts as a set of essential bioindicators for improving agricultural production. “A balanced and diverse agricultural ecosystem is key to ensuring crop resilience and reducing dependence on external inputs, promoting a more sustainable and autonomous agricultural model,” concluded Cardona.
The event also featured the presentation of the “Protection of the Pitiusa wall lizard on farms” project, promoted by IbizaPreservation with the support of the Ibercaja Foundation. This initiative seeks to protect the critically endangered Pitiusa wall lizard ( Podarcis pityusensis ), a species that is also key to biological control in Ibiza’s agricultural ecosystems. In 2024, the project resulted in the installation of 200 traps on 48 farms, leading to the capture of 362 invasive snakes , the main predators of this species.
The day concluded with the lecture “Agriculture and Biodiversity: From Ecological Balance to Sustainable Management,” given by Samuel Pinya , from the UIB’s Department of Ecology. During his presentation, Pinya explained how biodiversity is a “key factor for agricultural productivity” and warned about the negative effects of its long-term alteration.
The biologist explained the ecological principle of Liebig’s Law of the Minimum , which helps us understand ” why simply adding fertilizers doesn’t always solve soil deficiencies if the limiting factor is another.” He also analyzed the impact of biocide use on soil microbiota, pollinators, and auxiliary fauna, and how these changes can promote the emergence of pests and affect soil regeneration . Pinya emphasized that “the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity, such as natural pest control and improved soil fertility, can become essential allies for sustainable agricultural production.”
The expert concluded his presentation by presenting Biodibal , a tool developed by the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) that uses citizen science to record biodiversity observations. “Thanks to this platform, farmers will be able to identify species and monitor their evolution, allowing them to make informed and sustainable decisions in agricultural management,” he concluded.
