Amics de la Terra Eivissa - NATURAL PATRIMONY

AMICS DE LA TERRA EIVISSA NATURAL PATRIMONY

SES SALINES OF EIVISSA & FORMENTERA - CALA D'HORT - ES AMUNTS - SES FEIXES

"Every corner of the island offers something special: a different view, a totally new landscape, or another kind of vegetation. There are cliffs, soft rolling slopes, deep valleys and ravines, dense woodland, cultivated fields filled with wild flowers, rocky bluffs, primitive coastlines … it's a place overflowing with life: rare species of tiny orchid, unusual insects and wild birds".

Hans Giffhorn describes the landscape and beauty of our island in his book "Ibiza - An Undiscovered Paradise of Nature", published in 1992 in collaboration with the Ibicencan botanist Nestor Torres.

The island still possesses abundant beauty, appreciated by both nature lovers and those looking for quality of life. Its natural attractions are also the best guarantee for the future of the tourist sector. Nevertheless, many special places of natural importance are disappearing under the swathe of urban development. While land speculators and local builders continue to go for quick profits, not bothering to consider what is being lost, the local politicians continue to play the role of "real estate agents" instead of fulfilling their responsibility to implement the law and protect this unique treasure.

There is an enormous variety of plant life. Some species are only found in Eivissa and are not present in any other part of the world. These are known as endemic species.

SES SALINES OF EIVISSA & FORMENTERA
MAP OF THE PARK - THE WETLANDS - CLIFFS AND ISLETS - THE COASTAL ZONE - DUNE SYSTEMS AND BEACHES - THE MARINE ECOSYSTEMS - THE STRUGGLE TO PROTECT SES SALINES - INTERESTING WEB PAGES

SES SALINES OF EIVISSA & FORMENTERA is a good example of the kind of rich biodiversity to be found in the Mediterranean. It is an internationally recognised wildlife area which covers 2.000 hectares and offers a variety of land and marine habitats of special ecological, historical and cultural value.

This community of habitats forms the park of ses Salines. In fact, in ses Salines we can find practically all the natural systems which are present in the islands of Eivissa and Formentera (the Pitiüses).

This variety of habitats supports a large number of different species, both plant and animal, and its importance is recognised internationally.

The importance of ses Salines is recognised by a series of legal figures:

It is a ZEPA (Special Area for the Protection of Birds)

It is a Protected Area of Special Interest (ANEI) according to Balearic law

In 1993 the salt flats were included in the RAMSAR lists of important wetlands

In 1995 ses Salines was declared a NATURAL RESERVE by the central government

It is included in the NETWORK 2000 of European Union

In 2001, the area received the legal protection of NATURAL PARK from the Balearic government. (Ley 17/2001)

THE WETLANDS

Because of their position between the Iberian peninsular and the coast of Africa, the wetlands of ses Salines have a special importance for migratory birds, being a resting point where a great number of species stop to feed. Other species over-winter in the area. There is a permanent population of flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) all the year round.

Three species of waders nest here: the little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) and the black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus).

Also nesting in this area we find the moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and the common shelduck, (Tadorna tadorna) In addition to geese, herons, egrets and ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), raptors are other frequent visitors: the marsh harrier (Circus aeroginosus), the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the common kestrel, (Falco tinnunculus) which nests in the area. The black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) congregates in Formentera.

The wetlands and coastal lagoons are often flooded with sea water so the water has a high salt content. The vegetation is adapted to these difficult conditions and we can find numerous plant species such as the glassworts Salicornia, reeds and limoniums (Limonium sp.), some of these last being endemic species.

CLIFFS AND ISLETS

In the stretch of water between Eivissa and Formentera lie a chain of small islands, which harbour a rich natural diversity. On these islands are found very interesting communities of plants, some of which are endemic like the limoniums (Limonium sp.). The lizard population has been studied and at least 14 different subspecies have been noted. In addition there are a number of endemic beetles and gastropods. The islets are home to colonies of sea birds such as the Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii), found only in the Mediterranean region.

THE COASTAL AREA

Aleppo pine woods mixed with occasional sabine pines line the coast. The undergrowth is rich in shrubs (rosemary, lavender, rock rose) and other plants of botanical importance, such the Genista dorycnifolia, one of the most notable endemic plants found here, as well as various species of tiny wild orchid. The genet lives in the wooded areas, though it is rarely seen.

DUNE SYSTEMS, SAND AND PEBBLE BEACHES

There are wonderful beaches in the area of ses Salines, which attract thousands of tourists every day during the summer months. The beaches of es Cavallet, Trinxa and Illetes possess dune systems in different states of conservation, although the island of s'Espalmador is thought to have one of the best conserved dune systems in the Mediterranean region.

Dunes and sandy beaches are very fragile ecosystems whose formation and conservation is intimately related to the marine ecosystems. In the sandy areas we can find very specialized species like Ammophila arenaria, sea holly (Eryngium maritimun) or the sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum), endemic invertebrates like the beetle Pimelia elevata, or plants like the "molinet" (Silene cambessedesii). In the fixed dune systems one can find very well-conserved stands of sabine pines.

THE MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

The Mediterranean is a sea very low in nutrients and the extensions of Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica) are important in this respect, since they produce large quantities of organic material. The Neptune grass - an endemic plant found only in the Mediterranean - is also home to numerous species as well as serving as a haven for young animals during their early development. Many species breed and lay their eggs in the Neptune grass. One can find around 24 species of alga; foraminiferos; sponges, cnidaria; molluscs; crustacean and briozoos. Sea horses Hippocampus sp. frequent the Neptune grass, the fish known as John Dory (Zeus faber); cnidaria (Alicia mirabilis); nudibranchs (Flabelina sp.) and hermit crabs (Dardanus sp).

In the coastal waters one can observe the frolics of bottle nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and further offshore, marine turtles (Caretta caretta).

The Neptune grass meadows are especially well conserved in the Pitiüses islands. They play a fundamental role in the conservation and protection of the shore, forming underwater reefs parallel with the shore, which rise in some cases as high as 1'50 to 2'00 metres. These act as breakwaters which reduce the force of the waves. In winter months the dead leaves are shed and wash up on the beaches, (they are known as algas by the local people) where they form a barrier at the water's edge which helps to prevent erosion of the sand during winter storms.

Another useful function of the posidonia is the oxygenation of the coastal waters. This has the effect of producing seawater of great transparency. The importance of Neptune grass forests is formally recognised by the European Union and is protected as a priority habitat by European Directives. The extensions of Neptune grass between Eivissa and Formentera are especially well conserved and have been given the denomination (along with other cultural features) of World Heritage Site.

THE STRUGGLE TO PROTECT SES SALINES

In 1972, the regional government approved a Balearic Planning law which allowed for the urban development of a large part of the ses Salines area. And one year afterwards, the town hall of Sant Josep approved its municipal plan which permitted the construction of a complex to lodge 20.000 tourists. When this plan was approved definitively in 1977, a movement to defend the area was born initiated by the Institut d'Estudis Eivissencs which organized large public demonstrations. The public pressure had its effect and as a result, the municipal general plan was put on hold.

THE BATTLE STARTS

This was only the beginning of the struggle however. In 1985, the Balearic Parliament refused to consider the proposal of the left wing parties to protect the whole area, although the salt flats were given a protected status. Meanwhile, the town hall of Sant Josep governed by the Partido Popular (right wing), approved subsidiary planning norms which permitted 92 new urbanizations, 3 of them in ses Salines. The same year (1986), the Matutes family commenced the building of a vast tourist complex occupying 300.000 metres in the dune area of Playa den Bossa near the salt flats of Sal Rossa, and the public protests intensified.

THE THREAT CONTINUES

In January of 1990, the Balearic Parliament finalised the new law to protect the important areas of the islands with the Ley de Espacios Naturales, but they left out the mountains of ses Salines and the 2 urban developments, the same ones which the town hall of Sant Josep had planned in its subsidiary urban plan, could go ahead.

"SALVEM SES SALINES"

To meet this new threat a new civic platform was created: SALVEM SES SALINES. This was made up of 60 organisations and this new movement organized acts of protest which gained massive support especially when it was revealed that the President of the Balearic government, Gabriel Cañellas and his wife were actively participating in the urban development of ses Salines. Finally, the public pressure won the day in 1991 when the Parliament approved the Ley de Espacios Naturales and this time they included the mountainous areas Corb Marí and Puig des Falcó where the developments had been planned.

One year later, the left wing opposition party in the Balearic government proposed that ses Salines be declared a Natural Park, but the two right wing parties PP/UM not only didn't approve the proposal, they also reduced the protection (although only in Eivissa and Formentera) in areas affected by the Ley de Espacios Naturales, reducing the size of building plots to 200.000 m2 in Formentera and 30.000 m2 in Eivissa.

But the complaints presented to the European Union began to embarrass the politicians and the central government decided to include the salt flats in the Ramsar lists. Soon afterwards in 1995, the proposal of Izquierda Unida to create a Natural Reserve was accepted by the Congress.

WAS SES SALINES FINALLY PROTECTED?

For the first time in decades, ses Salines was legally protected, but the Balearic right wing parties presented a recourse of unconstitutionality, arguing that the declaration of parks and natural reserves could not be declared by central government and that this was the responsibility of the regional government. However, the president of the Balearic government Jaume Matas had no interest in protecting the area. It was only when in 1999, when the political panorama changed and a left wing coalition governed the Balearic Islands, that the situation changed.

SES SALINES BECOMES A NATURAL PARK

In December 2001, the law of the Natural Park was approved by the Balearic government and soon afterwards the Plan of Natural Resources (PORN). So when the legal recourse, which had been presented by the PP seven years before, was finally resolved by the Supreme Court, ses Salines was legally protected. Thus laying to rest a long period of struggle to protect the area.

IS THIS REALLY THE END OF THE BATTLE.... ?

The battle has been won but there are still threats to the area: rubbish dumped in the woodlands, illegal houses built under the benevolent eye of the town hall, destruction of nesting areas by modernisation works undertaken by the company which exploits the salt industry…. and above all, the effect of thousands of tourists during the season.

The management of the area has begun but to be really effective it requires full collaboration between the town hall of Sant Josep, the Island government and the Balearic government. The protection of this important area depends upon all of us and we need to maintain constant vigilance.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

EL PARC NATURAL DE SES SALINES - GEN/GOB 2003 - Genial Edicions Culturals SL

LA POSIDONIA - EL BOSC SUBMERGIT - Manu San Félix - Edicions Documenta Balear SL

INTERESTING WEB PAGES

BOTANY

Herbari virtual de les Illes Balears

BIRDS

SEO / Birdlife

La migración de las aves

POSIDONIA

Posidonia Oceanica

Comunidad de posidonia - Mediterráneo

Xarxa de Monitorització de les Praderies de Posidonia oceanica de les Illes Balears

INDEX

1999-2007

	THE STRUGGLE TO PROTECT SES SALINES In 1972, the regional government approved a Balearic Planning law which allowed for the urban development of a large part of the ses Salines area. And one year afterwards, the town hall of Sant Josep approved its municipal plan which permitted the construction of a complex to lodge 20.000 tourists. When this plan was approved definitively in 1977, a movement to defend the area was born initiated by the Institut d'Estudis Eivissencs which organized large public demonstrations. The public pressure had its effect and as a result, the municipal general plan was put on hold.
	THE BATTLE STARTS This was only the beginning of the struggle however. In 1985, the Balearic Parliament refused to consider the proposal of the left wing parties to protect the whole area, although the salt flats were given a protected status. Meanwhile, the town hall of Sant Josep governed by the Partido Popular (right wing), approved subsidiary planning norms which permitted 92 new urbanizations, 3 of them in ses Salines. The same year (1986), the Matutes family commenced the building of a vast tourist complex occupying 300.000 metres in the dune area of Playa den Bossa near the salt flats of Sal Rossa, and the public protests intensified.
	THE THREAT CONTINUES In January of 1990, the Balearic Parliament finalised the new law to protect the important areas of the islands with the Ley de Espacios Naturales, but they left out the mountains of ses Salines and the 2 urban developments, the same ones which the town hall of Sant Josep had planned in its subsidiary urban plan, could go ahead.
	"SALVEM SES SALINES" To meet this new threat a new civic platform was created: SALVEM SES SALINES. This was made up of 60 organisations and this new movement organized acts of protest which gained massive support especially when it was revealed that the President of the Balearic government, Gabriel Cañellas and his wife were actively participating in the urban development of ses Salines. Finally, the public pressure won the day in 1991 when the Parliament approved the Ley de Espacios Naturales and this time they included the mountainous areas Corb Marí and Puig des Falcó where the developments had been planned. One year later, the left wing opposition party in the Balearic government proposed that ses Salines be declared a Natural Park, but the two right wing parties PP/UM not only didn't approve the proposal, they also reduced the protection (although only in Eivissa and Formentera) in areas affected by the Ley de Espacios Naturales, reducing the size of building plots to 200.000 m2 in Formentera and 30.000 m2 in Eivissa. But the complaints presented to the European Union began to embarrass the politicians and the central government decided to include the salt flats in the Ramsar lists. Soon afterwards in 1995, the proposal of Izquierda Unida to create a Natural Reserve was accepted by the Congress.
	WAS SES SALINES FINALLY PROTECTED? For the first time in decades, ses Salines was legally protected, but the Balearic right wing parties presented a recourse of unconstitutionality, arguing that the declaration of parks and natural reserves could not be declared by central government and that this was the responsibility of the regional government. However, the president of the Balearic government Jaume Matas had no interest in protecting the area. It was only when in 1999, when the political panorama changed and a left wing coalition governed the Balearic Islands, that the situation changed.
	SES SALINES BECOMES A NATURAL PARK In December 2001, the law of the Natural Park was approved by the Balearic government and soon afterwards the Plan of Natural Resources (PORN). So when the legal recourse, which had been presented by the PP seven years before, was finally resolved by the Supreme Court, ses Salines was legally protected. Thus laying to rest a long period of struggle to protect the area.
	IS THIS REALLY THE END OF THE BATTLE.... ? The battle has been won but there are still threats to the area: rubbish dumped in the woodlands, illegal houses built under the benevolent eye of the town hall, destruction of nesting areas by modernisation works undertaken by the company which exploits the salt industry…. and above all, the effect of thousands of tourists during the season. The management of the area has begun but to be really effective it requires full collaboration between the town hall of Sant Josep, the Island government and the Balearic government. The protection of this important area depends upon all of us and we need to maintain constant vigilance.