The Formentor peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Mallorca's northernmost tip, with breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. More than 20 habitats and over 500 different species make it one of the richest underwater seascapes in the Serra de Tramuntana.  However, increased economic activity is putting the marine environment under pressure. Key species are in decline while many have gone extinct. Population numbers have dropped dramatically and immediate action needs to be taken.

 

To help address the environmental pressures faced by the area, the U Nord Blau project aims to foster stewardship of land and sea among communities in Pollença, facilitating open forums for the active participation of citizens in the protection of the environment. The forums have been named “Talaia Nord” (The North Watchtower) to represent the area, and participants can discuss their concerns freely, facilitating dialogue and the sharing of knowledge. Talaia Nord aims to establish itself as a legal body to act as a communication channel between local communities and authorities. 

 

Current topics include the depletion of fishing stocks, contamination of water bodies via poor wastewater management/treatment, and anchoring on top of sensitive ecosystems such as Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. Save the Med has been working on gathering information and writing technical reports that address these concerns directly.

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ACTIONS

 

• We produced a report assessing the feasibility of zero discharge sanitation technologies to help improve water quality in Pollença.

 

• Following in-depth research, we published a report assessing advanced surveillance and monitoring technologies for the protection of coastlines and open water areas.

 

• We co-created and organised four Open Forums with local NGO Arrels Marines (Marine Roots), inviting community members representing the area.

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• We established working groups to address specific concerns raised by citizens in the forum, which ranged from mooring, education and fishing, to marine reserves.

 

• Alongside the forums, Save the Med organised educational activities and citizen-science workshops

 

• We submitted an official, collaborative proposal for the protection of the marine area surrounding the Cape of Formentor to the Ministry of Ecological Transition (MITECO).