The Marilles Foundation is renewing its support for Menorca Preservation to continue throughout 2026 the social and participatory governance project for the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve (RMIA), with the aim of consolidating the process already underway and continuing to move towards a more open, inclusive and effective management of this protected marine area.
Following an initial strategic design phase and a second phase focused on launching the participatory forum, the project now enters a consolidation stage, in which participation spaces will be strengthened and concrete actions emerging from the community itself will be promoted. One of the key focuses of this new phase will be work with the recreational fishing sector, a key stakeholder in the use and management of the marine reserve. Through various meetings and activities, dialogue between fishers, public authorities and other stakeholders will continue to be encouraged, with the aim of strengthening knowledge, communication and participation around the marine reserve.
Rebecca Morris, Director of Menorca Preservation:
“Collaboration with the Marilles Foundation is key for us to continue strengthening this project and consolidating a network of individuals and organisations committed to the future of the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve. At Menorca Preservation we believe that participation and joint working are essential to build lasting solutions to protect Menorca’s marine heritage.”
Aniol Esteban, Director of the Fundació Marilles:
“For many years, the Marilles Foundation has been working to make marine governance projects in the Balearic Islands a reality, promoting spaces where local communities play an active role in ocean management. Marine reserves have proven to be a key tool for restoring marine life and increasing fish abundance, generating both ecological and socio-economic benefits. The Illa de l’Aire project is an example of how sustained long-term work and collaboration among stakeholders can consolidate more participatory and effective management models.”
Aina Blanco-Magadán Salvà, project coordinator:
“This new phase allows us to consolidate a space for meeting and joint work, where the community can actively engage in the conservation of the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve and help build shared solutions.”
A participatory forum underway
In February 2025, the first RMIA participatory governance forum took place, bringing together more than 40 people from different sectors — local community, public administration, environmental organisations, fisheries and scientific sectors — with the aim of establishing this collaborative working space and defining initial lines of action. The forum was created as an open, multi-sector platform to share challenges, generate proposals and drive actions that respond to local needs, strengthening the community’s active role in decision-making related to the coastline of Sant Lluís.
Throughout 2025, the project has helped consolidate an active community around the RMIA, with more than 40 people involved in the forum and over 70 participants in workshops and activities, as well as the involvement of multiple public and civil society organisations. It has also helped promote concrete management measures, such as the administration’s acceptance of speed limits for vessels in the area, highlighting the potential of collective action to improve conservation of the reserve.
RMIA | The Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve, a treasure we must protect
Illa de l’Aire is an important refuge, resting and feeding area for many migratory birds and the habitat of more than 600 species of flora and fauna. Since the designation of the Marine Reserve in 2019, not only has fish biomass in the area doubled, but abundance has also increased significantly, demonstrating the effectiveness of the protection measures put in place.
