Sa Dragonera Blava

Off the southwestern coast of Mallorca lies Sa Dragonera, a small island shaped like the back of a dragon. The waters surrounding it are home to a breathtaking variety of underwater habitats, including seagrass meadows and coral reefs, which provide shelter for vulnerable species like the loggerhead turtle and dusky grouper.

​

The story of Sa Dragonera's journey to becoming a protected area is truly inspiring. It all began in the 1970s, when plans emerged to turn the island into a luxury tourist destination with mansions, hotels, a port, and even a casino. However, the local community and activists stood up, occupying the island and successfully stopping the development. Their actions transformed the island’s future for the better. In 1995, the Balearic Government officially declared Sa Dragonera a natural park and a protected area.

​

In 2015, Save the Med contributed to a proposal for creating a Marine Protected Area (MPA) around the island’s waters. The following year, the Balearic Government accepted the proposal, protecting 912 hectares of waters between Sa Dragonera and Mallorca, now known as the "Marine reserve of Freu de Sa Dragonera." In 2020, this protection was extended to the outer waters of the island.

​

Despite these protections, the marine ecosystem remains threatened by mass tourism and intense human activities, such as high-speed boating.Although local communities and NGOs have made important efforts to protect this unique environment, issues like declining fish populations and loss of biodiversity remain serious challenges.