The Social and Participatory Governance proposal for the RMIA kicks off

Menorca Preservation relies on the collaboration of the Marilles Foundation and funding from the Leader Illa de Menorca Association to create the dialogue platform that will guarantee the effective management of the RMIA

David Doblado (Leader Illa de Menorca), Núria Sintes (Menorca Preservation), Aina Blanco-Magadán (Project Coordinator) and Ángel Carmona (Marilles)

Menorca Preservation, together with the Marilles Foundation and the support of the Leader Illa de Menorca Association, we are starting the second phase of the project ‘Social and participatory governance proposal for the Marine Reserve of the Isla del Aire (RMIA)’. The initiative aims to build a platform from which to weave networks of participation and dialogue, conflict resolution and decision-making in order to ensure the effective management of the Marine Reserve of the Isla del Aire (RMIA) with the participation of all the actors and sectors involved. For this initial phase, the project has a budget of €30,000 from the Marilles Foundation and €15,000 from the Leader Illa de Menorca Association.

After developing a first phase of consultancy, which has resulted in an ambitious Strategy with a 4-year Action Plan with more than 50 actions for the RMIA, the entity has now managed to secure the necessary funds to carry out the first steps for the creation of the platform, focused on:

  • Ensure participation and cooperation between the different actors involved in the initiative, such as fishermen, public administrations, environmental organisations, the tourism sector and residents.

  • Coordinate the efforts of monitoring, education, communication and dissemination of the benefits and values of the RMIA, promoting their own actions within these areas.

  • Hold the first participatory forum of the RMIA at the beginning of next year.

 

Aina Blanco-Magadán, a marine biologist specialising in Biodiversity and Conservation, will be in charge of coordinating, developing and executing the implementation of these actions according to the strategy defined for an initial period of 9 months.

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

The Governance Strategy 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.

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

The Social and Participatory Governance Proposal was born in 2023 from the concern generated by the modification of the RMIA limitation, which led Menorca Preservation, in collaboration with OBSAM-IME, GOB Menorca and 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 place of refuge, rest and feeding for many migratory birds and the habitat of more than 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.

Núria Sintes, Menorca Preservation: ‘The creation of the Isla del Aire Marine Reserve in 2019 was a great success of collaboration between citizens, different entities and public administrations. We believe that launching this participatory process will lead to a more effective management of the Marine Reserve, while strengthening the bond of the surrounding community with this area’.

Aina Blanco-Magadán, project coordinator: ‘This project allows us to build a platform for dialogue and collaboration where all actors can join forces and create links to ensure sustainable and effective management of the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve. The aim is not only to protect marine biodiversity but also to promote environmental awareness and collective responsibility’.

Aniol Esteban, Director of Fundació Marilles: ‘Marine protected areas offer multiple benefits: they restore biodiversity, strengthen sustainable fisheries, attract respectful tourism and improve the quality of life of coastal communities. Collaboration between key sectors and actors is essential to ensure that areas like the RMIA are not only protected, but also managed sustainably and based on the best available science. At Fundació Marilles, we are proud to encourage initiatives that promote this participatory governance. The protection of the RMIA can serve as an inspiration for other protected areas in the Mediterranean, helping us to preserve these valuable ecosystems for present and future generations’.

Francisco Canals Cortés, President of the Associació Leader Illa de Menorca: ‘The success of any initiative depends on an effective governance process and this is one of the strategic objectives of the participatory local development of the GALP of Menorca for this new period. The interrelation of the different sectors involved in the RMIA is essential for an efficient and sustainable management’.