The dense prairies of oceanic Posidonia (seagrass), an important endemic species found only in the Mediterranean basin, contain and support a diversity of marine life.
- Spain 2001. Seagrass of Ibiza.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and
Culture (1999)
Spain (Balearic Islands)
| Ibiza provides an excellent example of the interaction between the marine and
coastal ecosystems.
The dense prairies of oceanic Posidonia (seagrass), an important endemic species found only in the Mediterranean basin, contain and support a diversity of marine life.
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Ibiza preserves considerable evidence of its
long history. The archaeological sites at Sa Caleta (settlement) and Puig des
Molins (necropolis) testify to the important role played by the island in the
Mediterranean economy in protohistory, particularly during the
Phoenician-Carthaginian period. The fortified Upper Town (Alta Vila) is an
outstanding example of Renaissance military architecture; it had a profound
influence on the development of fortifications in the Spanish settlements of the
New World.
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Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean Sea, 100 km (60 mi) from the eastern coast of Spain. The island of Ibiza is 40 km (25 mi) long, 20 km (13 mi) wide, and has an area of 600 sq km (230 sq mi). Like the other Balearic
Islands (Mallorca and Menorca), it is mountainous and is mostly composed of limestone, marble, slate, and sandstone. Its highest point is Pico de Atalayasa, 470 m (1,550 ft) above sea level.
The inhabitants of Ibiza grow olives, oranges, figs, limes, lemons, vegetables, and grains in the island’s fertile soil. The cities of San Antonio Abad and Santa Eulalia del Río, together with the capital city of Ibiza, are important ports and market centers. Ibiza has become a tourist attraction, popular for its springlike climate and low rainfall. There are notable archaeological sites on the island. Directly to the south of Ibiza is the small, flat island of
Formentera.
Sources and links:
Other World Heritage Sites in Spain (on this site). Please refer to the UNESCO-listing, Spain-section, for further information on the individual properties.
Revised 19 jul 2007 |
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