On this Spanish island of Ibiza, there is much more life than the ‘night-life’ the island has become so well known for. One hundred and seventy one migratory species have been identified, 5 various species of mammals, of which the monk seal is included and is currently on the top ten endangered species list, eleven species of reptiles and fifty-six endemic species of invertebrates. Most are living along the coasts, in the saltworks and lagoons. One of the few endemic pine tree forests left in Europe is on the island. Combine that life with sea grass and incredible reefs of corral, and a small form of marine life, of the 220 different species, the most concentrated area of life in all of the Mediterranean Sea, Ecteinascidea turbinata , discovered to have certain properties that combat and prevent various cancer forms, and it becomes quite clear that the government’s decision to declare this region protected, as just, valid and necessary.

The population of the two largest cities on the island, Sant Josep and Sant Francesc, combines to total just over 15,000 people. Not long ago, in 1995 the Nature Reserve, ‘Salinas de Ibiza y Formentera’ received the support and backing of the Spanish Government. It is now nominated to become a Heritage Site, Mixed Natural and Cultural. For just as the treasures found living today shed some light,archaeological findings have been discovered, more than ten underwater sites dating back to Stone Age, none have been thoroughly excavated or study as of yet. So just next to the patios and verandas of the luxury Ibiza hotels, lie the key to understanding the history of the island and her people. By study of these sites, more knowledge will be gained concerning the trade and interaction between the islands and the rest of the world. And by excavating the various underwater caves, must is to be learned about the evolution of the societies now living on the island. Preservation of the life now existing, and the preservation of the life that came before is the concern of the Reserve. With only ten permanent employees and various experts and scientists now traveling to the island, not only for the night life but the day life as well, the organization is hoping to discover the past and gain knowledge for the future co-habitation of the wildlife and the humans that are living together.

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