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It is no coincidence that the Balearic Islands are the Mediterranean capital of MPAs. With 20% of the sea protected, one of the largest National Parks in the Mediterranean, and a network of marine reserves that are helping to improve fish populations, the Balearic Islands can be a leader in marine protection at the Mediterranean level. However, we have a lot of homework to do and a lot to learn. For example, the highly protected surface of the Balearic Sea is 50 times smaller than it should be in 2030 and we have less than 8 years to achieve this.
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MPAs are an essential tool for the conservation of the sea. While we have a solid network of MPAs, we must expand and improve this network to maximise its potential. Key concepts right now are vigilance, follow-up, coordination, participation, and investment.
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This final event saw discussions of the key results and recommendations of these two European projects that focused on key issues for MPAs: management effectiveness, small-scale fisheries management, conservation of mobile species, sustainable financing, and adaptation to climate change. Participants contributed to expanding the solutions identified in the projects and voiced key recommendations for decision-makers for the benefit of the entire community of Mediterranean MPAs.
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The project, 85% funded by the Interreg MED programme and coordinated by MedPAN, brought together ten Mediterranean partners, mainly MPA management bodies from seven countries: Albania, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain.
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In addition to organising the final event, Marilles played a very prominent role in the MPA NETWORKS project. The results of the study in Cala Rajada-Llevant — which show that €10 of profit is generated for each €1 invested in this MPA — have had international repercussions, and the methodology is being used in other parts of the Mediterranean.
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By 2025, the Balearics could have an MPA network that guarantees the future of professional fishing, differentiates a tourist model that is authentically sustainable, is a source of leisure and wellness, and reinforces numerous economic activities. This is what we are working towards.
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