Preserve Posidonia Oceanica
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The Posidonia meadows of Ibiza and Formentera were declared as a World Heritage site by the UNSECO in 1999.
The Posidonia meadows of Ibiza and Formentera were declared as a World Heritage site by the UNSECO in 1999.
Posidonia Oceanica is an underwater flowering plant that grows in thick meadows and produces green olive like flowers and fruits. Abundant Sunlight and limited amount of sedimentation is crucial for its survival. With increasing sedimentation, the flowering plant grows vertically raising the seabed; occasionally reaching the surface of the water body. Posidonia’s growth is further thwarted by eutrophication (thick growth of algae in water bodies) due to diminished sunlight underwater; making Posidonia Oceanica an bioindicator of non-polluted areas in the Mediterranean.
Posidonia is also the largest littoral source of primary production that leads to increased oxygen levels in the water bodies. This increase in oxygen level helps maintain the dissolved oxygen content of the water body which is essential for survival of aquatic life. Posidonia supports a diverse community of numerous species of algae, invertebrates and fish. Their roots control hydrodynamic phenomenon that majorly effects coastal erosion. Europeon and Spanish laws are therefore imposed to protect the vulnerability of these sensitive ecosystems that play a pivotal role in sustaining maritime ecosystems. The Posidonia meadows of Ibiza and Formentera were thereby declared as a World Heritage site by the UNSECO in 1999.
The Baleric Government has been instrumental in protecting the Posidonia meadows against main threats posed by maritime constructions, pollution causing activities near the shore, anchoring and destruction of the Posidonia oceanica dead leaves that reach the beach. The government is considering charging for the usage of ecological buoys that cost them €700,000 just for maintenance.
