Mallorca
Sustainable Development Report

Mallorca, Balearic Islands of Spain

UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Mallorca, Spain

This page details the UN Sustainable Development Goals being addressed by the SeaTrees seagrass and algae restoration project in Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands of Spain.

Sustainable Development in Spain

SeaTrees is working in collaboration with The Cleanwave Foundation, a Mediterranean based non-profit, on their MedGardens Seagrass and Macroalgae Restoration Project which seeks to holistically restore the marine ecosystem surrounding the well known tourist destination of Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands of Spain. This is our first-ever seagrass restoration project, supporting the restoration of one of three sites at Formentor, covering an area of 53,820 sq-ft. 

The holistic project employs a variety of methods to achieve its goals, including research, marine debris removal, community engagement through education, hands-on training and volunteer opportunities, educational signage, and the promotion of a blue economy. The project has also collaborated with local authorities to implement more sustainable mooring equipment, which is vital in an area with high boat traffic.

Key Impact Metrics

Project Impact Summary

  • Engages in multifaceted restoration efforts, including research, marine debris removal, and community engagement.
  • Emphasizes education, hands-on training, and volunteer opportunities for the local community.
  • Implements educational signage to raise awareness about marine ecosystem restoration.
  • Focuses on the development of a blue economy to create sustainable economic opportunities.
  • Works towards enhancing the economic benefits derived from the marine ecosystem.
  • Collaborates with local authorities to introduce more sustainable mooring equipment.
  • Addresses the need for sustainability in areas with high boat traffic.
  • Initiates three pilots in different Mallorca sites for seagrass and canopy-forming algae forest restoration.
  • Starts with small-scale experimental designs to compare and validate the most efficient restoration techniques.
  • Plans to scale up restoration efforts in three years based on validated methodologies.
  • Aims for lasting positive impacts on the marine ecosystem surrounding Mallorca.

This project aims to eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equitable access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, such as persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.

Additionally, it strives to equip all learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance sustainable development. Through educational programs focused on sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity, the project actively supports the broader objectives outlined in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

This project aiming to develop and implement policies fostering sustainable tourism that not only generates employment but also advocates for the preservation and promotion of local culture and products by 2030.

Additionally, it seeks to enhance global resource-efficient production and consumption practices by 2030. The project aspires to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, aligning with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns. This commitment is particularly pertinent to developed countries, signaling a progressive effort towards a more sustainable and responsible economic model.

This project supports positive economic, social, and environmental linkages between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas through the reinforcement of national and regional development planning.

Furthermore, the project actively works towards the adoption and implementation of integrated policies and plans in cities and human settlements to foster inclusiveness, resource efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster resilience, and integrated disaster risk management at all levels.

This project also redoubles efforts to protect the world's cultural and natural heritage and striving to reduce the negative per capita environmental impact of cities by 2030, with a specific focus on air quality and the management of municipal and other waste.

This project's primary goal involves achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources by the year 2030. The initiative further supports this by developing and implementing tools to monitor the impact on sustainable development, particularly aiming at creating sustainable tourism that generates employment and promotes local culture and products.

This project strives to achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes, reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse activities, encourage sustainable practices among companies, ensure universal access to information relevant to sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature, and assist developing countries in strengthening their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

This project strengthens resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

It also addresses the imperative to enhance education, awareness, and human and institutional capacity for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and early warning systems. By actively engaging in efforts to build resilience and bolster adaptive capabilities globally, as well as promoting education and awareness to combat and respond effectively to climate challenges, the project aligns with the broader goals of fostering climate resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate-related risks and disasters.

This project actively addresses ocean acidification effects, aims to conserve 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020, and seeks to increase economic benefits for small island developing States and least developed countries from sustainable marine resource use by 2030.

It also emphasizes enhancing scientific knowledge, research capacity, and the transfer of marine technology for developing countries, particularly small island developing States. Additionally, it underscores the importance of implementing international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to promote the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources.

This project encourages effective collaborations in public, public-private, and civil society spheres, drawing on partnership experience and resourcing strategies.

Additionally, it contributes by enhancing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, utilizing multi-stakeholder partnerships to mobilize knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources. The goal is to collectively support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Through these efforts, the project actively fosters a collaborative and inclusive approach to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.