Calvià reinforces its commitment with sustainability with the Reserva Marina de les Illes del Ponent

Calvià continues to advance its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection with the creation of the new Reserva Marina de les Illes del Ponent, approved by the Government Board of the Government of the Balearic Islands.

The new reserve, which replaces the previous 2022 designation, encompasses the areas of El Toro, les Illes Malgrats, and l’Illa del Sec, expanding its total area to 2,300 hectares, of which 240 hectares will receive high-level protection. It also adds 93 hectares of special fishing zone in the Bay of Santa Ponça.

With this expansion, the reserve gains 15 additional hectares of high-level protection and extends the protected coastal strip by about 7 kilometers. The new reserve has the support of the professional fishing sector, the local fishing guilds, and the Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds.

Juan Antonio Amengual, mayor of Calvià, praised the initiative, describing it as “a clear example that collaboration between administrations yields results that benefit both the environment and the tourism model we want to continue building.” Amengual thanked the Government of the Balearic Islands for “its involvement and sensitivity toward the territory of Calvià,” highlighting the support given to the municipality with the inclusion of such valuable natural areas as l’Illa del Sec, a long-standing demand of the Town Council that has now been fulfilled.

“Calvià is a leading tourist destination, but we also want to be a benchmark in sustainability. Today, our visitors increasingly value environmental commitment, and protecting our natural heritage is not just a responsibility, it’s also an opportunity. This marine reserve not only safeguards our biodiversity but also enhances our high-quality tourism offering and benefits our residents,” the mayor added.

The Reserva Marina de les Illes del Ponent is a key action within the municipality’s environmental conservation strategy, aligning with other initiatives promoted by the Town Hall, such as the recovery of the Galatzó Public Estate, efficient water resource management, and the use of reclaimed water for irrigating public green spaces. These actions form part of a clear roadmap toward a greener, more responsible Calvià, adapted to future challenges.

In addition to protecting unique habitats and marine species, the new reserve will promote sustainable diving tourism, which attracts thousands of visitors each year to Calvià’s waters, as well as benefit the artisanal fishing sector, thanks to a management model developed in consensus with the fishing guilds and tailored to the local environmental needs.

“It’s important to emphasize that these policies are not separate from our reality as a tourist municipality. On the contrary, they strengthen our identity as an eco-friendly, responsible destination that supports high-quality tourism, respectful of the environment and sensitive to natural and cultural values,” Amengual concluded.