Assessment and Restoration to Save Balearic Dunes

An action plan to protect the most vulnerable dune habitats on the islands

What does it consist of?

With more than two million people packed in coastal areas during the summer, the Balearic Islands’ dune systems are under great strain. This plan has focused on assessing their condition and applying conservation, restoration and awareness-raising measures to curb damage and restore ecological balance.

DOWNLOAD ITS PDF

Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Recovery of the dunes in important environmental areas of the Balearic Islands
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Direcció General d'Espais Naturals i Biodiversitat
Project code
ITS2017-070
Total project amount
823.000 €
ITS granted amount
823.000 €
Executed amount
694.563 €
Call year
2017
Budget implementation status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 84.39%
Last updated
25.11.2024

The project

Dune habitats in the Balearic Islands form part of the Natura 2000 Network, and are considered a priority due to their vulnerability and high ecological importance. However, they are also one of the areas that receive the most tourists. In 2016, the human pressure index hit over two million people during the summer, which compromised its natural stability.

Against this backdrop, the Directorate-General for Natural Areas and Biodiversity launched a plan based on direct action and awareness-raising. The first step was to draw up a detailed assessment of the condition of these systems on the islands. Actions tailored to each environment were then designed: removal of invasive species, reinforcement of native vegetation, restoration of the natural morphology, and controls over access and visitor traffic.

Moreover, the plan has included measures to rearrange the use of space, especially in the most damaged areas. Signs, walkways and deterrents have been put in place to prevent people from directly trampling on the dunes. These actions have been complemented by information campaigns aimed at residents and tourists.

This plan has helped towards progress in the conservation of several strategic sites. With a budget of just over €800,000, this plan is an example of how environmental restoration requires long-term planning and a strategy involving both technical action and environmental education.