The Ibiza Town Hall has launched this week the return of the posidonia to its urban beaches, a measure that not only ensures the stability of the sand during the winter months, but also supports the marine ecosystem of the island. This initiative, led by the Beaches area, under the supervision of Councilman Rubén Sousa, aims to mitigate the loss of sand due to the waves and facilitate the recovery of the sand that has been displaced in the cleaning operations carried out at the beginning of the season. Sousa has pointed out that the return of posidonia is an action that “is carried out every year after the summer to protect the beaches and safeguard their sand, in addition to recovering the sand washed away in the process of seasonal removal of organic debris“. Posidonia oceanica, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site since 1999, plays a vital role both in the sea and on the shore, where its remains contribute to the formation and conservation of the coastline.
Natural protection of beaches
Beyond its function as a natural barrier, the remains of posidonia on the beaches are essential for the balance of the coast. The accumulation of sedimentary materials such as shell fragments, which degrade along with the posidonia, enriches the sandy soil of the beaches, ensuring their stability and resistance to storms. This contribution is key in a tourist environment such as Ibiza, where the condition of the beaches is fundamental for the island.
