TOTAL PROJECT COST – €45.00

IN PROGRESS

• Homegrown Project
• Project Duration: 9 months
• Area of Interest: Sea
• Other entities involved: Marilles Foundation, GOB Menorca and OBSAM.
• Supported by: Marilles Foundation (30.000 € ) and Associació Leader Illa de Menorca (15.000 €)

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THE PROJECT

Primary Impact

Preserving, protecting and regenerating natural habitats

Summary of the project

Marine Reserves are effective tools for marine conservation and provide multiple benefits but, in order to achieve their intended ecological, economic and social objectives, they require good planning, design and management, and effective monitoring. In this sense, we believe that the Isla del Aire Marine Reserve (RMIA) represents an excellent example of where to set up a participatory governance process: a platform from which to promote the need to weave networks of participation and dialogue, conflict resolution and decision-making to find the most appropriate and effective solutions in the complex management of marine protected areas.

RMIA | The Isla del Aire Marine Reserve, a treasure that we must protect

The Social and Participatory Governance Proposal was developed in 2023 from the concern generated by the modification of the RMIA limitation, which led Menorca Preservation, together with other environmental organisations working in the field, to question whether the enormous economic and environmental benefits of achieving such protection had really been communicated to the public. The Isla del Aire is an important refuge, resting and feeding place for many migratory birds and the habitat of over 600 species of flora and fauna. Furthermore, since the declaration of the Marine Reserve in 2019, not only has the biomass of fish living in the area doubled, but also their abundance has increased considerably, demonstrating the effectiveness of the protection measures put in place.

Social, Economic and Cultural Outcomes

• Encouraging people to have a greater appreciation of the natural world and its value
• Encouraging governments, public institutions and media to act in ways that support the natural world
• Supporting businesses and their employees to better preserve, protect, and regenerate the natural world
• Encouraging changes in public/consumer behaviour to better preserve, protect, and regenerate the natural world;Reduced waste/better waste management

The Strategy: 50 actions for the Isla del Aire Marine Reserve

The Governance Strategy (developed during the 1st phase) on which the project is based includes 50 actions divided into 4 axes: holistic knowledge for effective management; community and governance; outreach, education and communication; and leadership, coordination and networking.

The actions are planned in a detailed four-year timetable. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the creation of a robust, agile and effective participatory structure that will enable:

• The management of the RMIA is efficient, effective and based on scientific knowledge.
• Governance is established through active community participation.
• Awareness and education about the values of the RMIA is increased.
• Governance leadership ensures sustainable management practices of the RMIA.