Between 2010 and 2015, around 30% of Ibiza’s almond groves were lost. And of the 332 hectares that remain on the island, most are neglected and reaching the end of their lifecycle (around 70 years). To help recover almond groves, we are supporting a pilot project by the Association of Organic Producers of Ibiza and...
The Serra Grossa aquifer is one of Ibiza’s most depleted and salinised water reservoirs. The Serra Grossa area is also vulnerable to forest fires because of the expansion of pine trees. Both problems are a result of the abandonment of land-management practices. Located in the south of Ibiza, the Serra Grossa receives around 400 mm...
To preserve the environment and traditional, farming landscapes of Ibiza and Formentera, the consumption of locally grown and sustainably produced products needs to be supported and promoted. To gain a better understanding of market conditions, we funded (€5000) and conducted a feasibility study to provide insights on ways local farmers and producers can be supported....
To encourage new farmers to the land, the Land Bank project has created a database of abandoned farms offered for organic farming under a stewardship contract. The Land Bank was established in 2011 by the Association of Organic Producers of Ibiza and Formentera (Associació de Productors d’Agricultura Ecològica d’Eivissa i Formentera – APAEEF) with our support. We...
Rising levels of underwater noise has been identified as a threat to marine life. Little is known about how noise affects dolphins in Ibiza’s waters – a hotspot for boats and other noise generating activities. To monitor the impact of noise on dolphins, we provided €12,343 in 2017 for research work by Tursiops Association – a Balearic NGO...
The impact of nautical tourism and pollution on the marine environment are key areas of concern for the programme, ‘The Sea, A Shared Responsibility’ (El Mar, una responsabilidad compartida). Coordinated by GEN-GOB Eivissa, we support the programme together with the Dutch-based Adessium Foundation. Now in Phase 3, GEN-GOB is working with the Council of Ibiza, Balearic Government...
Posidonia oceanica seagrass is unique to the Mediterranean Sea and forms vast underwater meadows that are critical to Ibiza and Formentera’s ecosystem. Posidonia meadows can be more than 1000-years-old and are recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage. But they are being seriously impacted by the growth of tourism and recreational boat use. Uncontrolled boat anchoring,...
“What we do in the next few years will determine the Mediterranean Sea’s future. We could very well… keep on following the road to its rapid destruction. Or we could change our habits in order for it to recuperate in a brief period…Our generation has the opportunity and the obligation to initiate this change…” Manu San...
Ibiza and Formentera’s waters are home to two highly-threatened species of seahorses – the Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus. Both species are included on the Red List of Threatened Species of the IUCN and the Balearic Government’s Llista Vermella dels Peixos de les Balears. To help the population recover, we provided a €10,000 grant to a project led by...
Ibiza has a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels to generate electricity and for transportation. At present, less than 1% of Ibiza’s electricity comes from solar energy even though the island enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. To encourage households and businesses to install solar energy, we funded (€5000) and coordinated a...
