The 3rd Illa de l’Aire Forum Drives Debate on the Marine Reserve’s Conservation and Management Challenges

The 3rd Illa de l’Aire Forum Drives Debate on the Marine Reserve’s Conservation and Management Challenges

The meeting brought together 31 participants to share perspectives and reflect collectively on the main challenges facing the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve.

On Wednesday, 21 October, the Sala Albert Camus in Sant Lluís once again hosted the Participatory Forum of the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve (RMIA). Now in its third edition, the Forum provided an opportunity for a day of collaborative work.

The meeting brought together 31 participants from different sectors — public authorities, environmental organisations, diving centres, tourism and local businesses, researchers and members of the public — with the aim of continuing the public participation process and making further progress in addressing the ongoing challenges facing the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve.

The day began with a presentation on the experience of the information officers who worked on Illa de l’Aire during the summer, employed by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment of the Government of the Balearic Islands. The presentation gave participants a better understanding of the situation on the islet during the summer months, including visitor numbers, peak activity times, main uses and areas where incidents are most frequently reported. It also highlighted the most common conflicts between different users and identified aspects that could be improved in terms of information provision, surveillance and management of the area.

This initial presentation introduced some of the topics subsequently addressed during the participatory discussion, which focused on three key issues for the future of the reserve: surveillance and enforcement, the coexistence and compatibility of different marine activities, and the management of the terrestrial area of Illa de l’Aire. Through dialogue and group work, participants shared experiences and expectations, identified challenges and exchanged different perspectives on how to advance the conservation of this unique environment. Other issues also emerged during the session, including discussions about a possible extension of the marine reserve’s zoning and the need to strengthen collaboration between public authorities, businesses and volunteers to promote joint conservation initiatives.

Regarding surveillance and enforcement, participants discussed the challenges associated with monitoring activities within the reserve, the resources available and coordination between the different stakeholders involved. As for the compatibility of marine activities in the channel, the discussion focused on how to encourage safe coexistence between different uses while ensuring the protection of the reserve’s natural values. Finally, participants reflected on the future of the terrestrial area of Illa de l’Aire, taking into account the conservation of its natural and cultural heritage, its landscape and the maintenance needs of existing infrastructure.

The third Forum forms part of an ongoing participatory process that has continued throughout 2026 through various conservation, outreach and awareness-raising initiatives. With this third edition, the Illa de l’Aire Forum strengthens its role as a space for dialogue, exchange and participation, with the aim of further developing the priority issues affecting the conservation of the Marine Reserve and moving towards shared, adaptive management committed to protecting its natural and cultural values.

In the words of Carlota Mateu, an oceanographer who has recently taken on the coordination of the Forum:

“The Forum has allowed me to gain an even deeper appreciation of the value of this area and its potential to drive real change in the conservation of the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve. I believe the reserve is fortunate to have a space like this, which brings together people with very different knowledge, experiences and perspectives, but with a shared goal: to protect and conserve it.”

For this to be possible, “the participation and involvement of all stakeholders is essential: those who know the reserve and its values first-hand, those who use it, the public authorities that can provide the necessary technical support, and everyone who wishes to contribute. Each person brings a different but complementary perspective. By working together, we can address the challenges and drive the changes needed to protect the natural, cultural and historical values of Illa de l’Aire and ensure its long-term conservation,” adds Irene Estaún, Executive Director of Menorca Preservation.

The Illa de l’Aire Forum is an initiative launched in 2025 by Menorca Preservation Foundation, GOB Menorca and OBSAM-IME, with the support of the Jaume Ferrer Research Station in La Mola (IEO-GOIB) since its inception. The Forum also benefits from the collaboration of the Marilles Foundation and DECIEM, through Conservation Collective. This third edition was also made possible thanks to the support of Sant Lluís Town Council and the Sala Albert Camus.