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South African lily in the Ariant Estate Botanical Garden
Underwater meadows
The transparency of the Mediterranean waters
in the Balearic Islands allows us to enjoy un-
derwater landscapes, whether seen from the
cliffs or while snorkelling or diving. They are
covered with plants, not algae, since posido-
nia has roots, leaves, flowers and fruits. The-
se underwater meadows, known as posidonia
seagrass beds, carpet the seabed, helping
absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, sheltering
great biodiversity and mitigating the effects of
coastal erosion.
When these leaves fall and are washed asho-
re, they accumulate and help protect the beach
from erosion. Once out of the water, the plant
is also used because it is deeply tied to island
traditions: it has long been used as thermal in-
sulation in the roofs of traditional houses — and
is still used today — and it is also employed as
fertiliser for crops thanks to its richness in mine-
rals and organic matter.
These meadows enrich the seabed of the Ses
Salines Natural Park, which covers parts of both
Pitiusas. It is a marvellous place of islets, rocky
outcrops and shallow waters, though someti-
mes treacherous for boats — as happened to
the great vessel Don Pedro, which sank a few
years ago and has since become a shipwreck
adored by divers for having created a refuge for
marine life. It is an area filled with the squawks
and creaks of waterbirds stalking the colourful
fish that inhabit the paradise of the posidonia.
NATURE TOURISM
Vineyards in Ibiza and, below, posidonia meadows
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