Tourexpi
The Balearic Islands are still one of the
best-preserved marine environments in the Mediterranean, with numerous fish
species, seagrass meadows and a resident population of sperm whales and
dolphins inhabiting its waters. But growing pressure on the islands over recent
decades has started to erode their natural capital, and action is needed to
protect this valuable asset.
There are multiple pressures on the marine
environment in the Balearics, including increasing demographic pressure,
pollution, fisheries and impacts related to recreational sailing. As a result,
biodiversity-rich ecosystems, such as shallow water bays, have been
significantly degraded. TUI Sea the Change Balearics is designing shallow water
bay restoration plans which protect 25 square kilometres and restore 10 square
kilometers. This will improve the ecological quality of these fragile
ecosystems and engage the local community to drive this change. Work at a
policy-level is also envisioned to complement reduced pressure on the marine
environment.
A key restoration activity that will be implemented
is the recovery of Cystoseira, a species of brown seaweed which can build
one-foot high “forest” habitats to support the growth and distribution of
multiple species of fish. The project will also work to strengthen the
populations of vulnerable animals such as pipefish and seahorse species and
will explore the feasibility of re-introducing animals that are now rarely
found in Balearic waters, such as the guitarfish.
To support sustainable fisheries, the project will
work with three fishing associations (Cofradias) and develop management plans,
promote low-impact fishing gear and eradicate illegal practices used by
professional and recreational fishers.
Alexander Panczuk, Executive Director of the TUI
Care Foundation: "The Balearic Islands' marine environment is not only one
of the most important natural habitats in Europe, but also the foundation for
the economic success and social development of the islands. This is why more
must be done to protect it. Our new project with Marilles Foundation extends
beyond preserving natural habitats, as it also highlights the potential of
tourism as a force for good. The tourism sector can do even more to ensure that
the marine environment in the Balearics can continue to thrive - this is in the
joint interest of local communities and visitors alike. We are happy that our
project now makes a first big step on that path."
Aniol Esteban, Director of the Marilles Foundation
shares: “A healthy marine environment is critical to the economic prosperity of
the Balearics and the wellbeing of residents and tourists. Turning the
Balearics into a world reference of marine conservation needs active engagement
from the tourism, fishing and boating industries, amongst others. Their
long-term future depends on improving the state of our marine and coastal
habitats, ensuring that their activity adds value to this natural asset, rather
than eroding it. This will require reducing pressures, securing sustainable
levels of activity and investing in the regeneration of vulnerable habitats and
species. We are delighted to establish a partnership with the TUI Care
Foundation that will help us restore shallow water bays and accelerate a
transition towards sustainable fisheries in the Balearics. We hope this
partnership will inspire other actors of the tourism industry to invest in
marine conservation and accelerate a collective change towards real sustainable
tourism models”
TUI Sea the Change Balearics also aims to support
an existing but as yet undeveloped tourism product, the so-called
“pescaturismo” experience. During a pescaturismo tour, guests join local
fishermen for a half or full day and learn all about fishing, culture and
marine conservation challenges.
The project will also offer training to 30 local
organisations supporting marine conservation topics through a capacity building
programme. This will include on-the-spot training followed by online support,
with three different training sessions per year. Selected organisations will
also be offered a 12-month mentoring programme where they will be guided by a
professional development expert. This will help them go through a more in-depth
transformational process and ensure their long-term success.
The TUI Care Foundation's 'Marine May' is a month
of activities dedicated to ocean preservation. Through a series of project
launches and educational activities, it emphasises the importance of
sustainable practices to safeguard marine ecosystems for local communities and
generations to come.
Image
Credit: © TUI Group
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