Ibiza

Ibiza

Ibiza is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea which belongs politically to Spain and with Formentera is one of the two Pitiuse Islands. Its main cities are: Ibiza, Santa Eulària des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany.
Ibiza has an area of 569.8 km² and a population of 143,856 inhabitants in 2017.

Etymology –
The etymology of the name “Ibiza” has ancient origins and derives from the Phoenician language.
The name “Ibiza” has been transmitted through different languages and cultures over the centuries, but its most ancient origin dates back to the Phoenicians, an ancient seafaring and trading people of the Near East. The Phoenicians, who were thriving between 1550 B.C. and 300 BC, were known for their prowess in maritime trade and established settlements and colonies in different parts of the Mediterranean.
When the Phoenicians arrived on the island of Ibiza, they called it “Ibossim” or “Iboshim”, which probably meant “island dedicated to Bes”, a Phoenician deity associated with music, dance and partying. Bes was often depicted as a grotesque figure, with a large head and small body, and was considered a protector of families and revelers.
Over time, the name “Ibossim” evolved into the modern form “Ibiza”, as the island is known today in the Spanish language.

Geographic Features –
Ibiza is an island located in the western Mediterranean Sea, and is one of the Balearics, and is located about 150 kilometers east of the Spanish peninsula and about 80 kilometers south of the island of Mallorca, another Balearic.
The island of Ibiza has an area of approximately 569.8 km², making it the third largest island in the archipelago after Majorca and Menorca.
Ibiza is known for its beautiful coasts and beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world. The island is characterized by numerous bays, coves and cliffs that offer breathtaking landscapes and crystal clear waters.
The interior of the island is mostly hilly, with some hills reaching heights of around 400 meters above sea level. There are also small plains and cultivated rural areas.
Ibiza enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach 30-35°C, while in winter they rarely drop below 10°C.
The island is characterized by typical Mediterranean vegetation, with pines, carob trees, olive trees and shrubs that dominate the landscape. There are also some cultivated fields and agricultural areas.
In 1999, Ibiza and the neighboring island of Formentera were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their biodiversity and ecological value, as well as the preservation of local culture and tradition.
The capital of the island is Ibiza Town (Eivissa in Catalan), which is located on the east coast of the island and is famous for its ancient walled city (Dalt Vila) and lively old town.
Ibiza is home to a cosmopolitan and multicultural population, with a strong presence of international communities, especially during the tourist season, and is known as one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, particularly famous for its vibrant nightlife, beach parties and world-famous clubs. Besides tourism, the island has an economy based on agriculture and fishing.

Historical Notes –
Ibiza is an island mainly known for its lively nightlife and famous discos but it has also been a place with a rich history and culture, which can be divided into various eras.
1. Phoenicians and Carthaginians: The island of Ibiza was first settled by the Phoenicians in 654 BC. Phoenician settlements developed in Sa Caleta and were mainly dedicated to trade. Subsequently, in the 5th century BC, the Carthaginians, a people of Phoenician origin, dominated the island and made it an important commercial center in the western Mediterranean.
2. Romans: In 123 BC, the island of Ibiza was conquered by the Romans during the wars against the Carthaginians. It became part of the Roman province of Hispania and contributed its grain and salt to the Roman Empire.
3. Barbarian invasions: Like much of the Iberian peninsula, Ibiza suffered from barbarian invasions during the period of people’s migrations. In the 5th century, it was occupied by the Vandals and later by the Byzantines.
4. Muslim Rule: In 711 AD, the Moors, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, invaded Spain. Ibiza was conquered by the Arabs around the year 902 and remained under Muslim rule for several centuries. During this period, the island was an important agricultural and commercial centre.
5. Reconquista: In the 13th century, the island was conquered by the kingdom of Aragon during the process known as the Reconquista, in which the Christians gradually reconquered the Iberian Peninsula from the Arabs. Ibiza became part of the kingdom of Aragon and later of Spain.
6. Piracy: Throughout its history, Ibiza was often threatened by pirates who infested the Mediterranean. To defend themselves against raids, the population built watchtowers and fortifications along the coast.
7. 18th and 19th centuries: During the 18th century, Ibiza experienced a period of economic decline and the population decreased. However, a slow economic recovery began in the 19th century, thanks to agriculture, fishing and maritime trade.
8. Tourism: In the 60s and 70s, Ibiza became an important destination for travelers looking for freedom and new experiences. Its reputation for nightlife, music and Mediterranean climate attracted tourists from all over the world. Since then, tourism has become the main economic sector of the island.
Today, Ibiza continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists and party-goers, but it also retains its historical and cultural charm, with the presence of archaeological sites, traditional architecture and local fiestas celebrating the island’s roots.

Ecosystem –
The island of Ibiza has an ecosystem characterized by a combination of natural landscapes and human influences due to tourism development. Let’s see some of the main characteristics of the ecosystem of the island:
1. Natural landscape: Ibiza features a variety of natural landscapes, which include:
– Beaches and coasts: The island is surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches and rocky coves. The coasts offer a rich marine biodiversity and are places of ecological importance.
– Hills and reliefs: The interior of the island is characterized by hills and reliefs, which are covered by typical Mediterranean vegetation, such as Mediterranean pine, laurel and alder.
– Countryside: Large areas of the island are dedicated to agriculture and the cultivation of fruit trees, such as oranges, lemons and almonds.
2. Sea and Marine Biodiversity: The Mediterranean Sea surrounding Ibiza is home to rich marine biodiversity. These waters are populated by various species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and marine algae. Ibiza is also known for the presence of Posidonia oceanica meadows, an important marine plant species, which contributes to the health of the local marine ecosystem.
3. Terrestrial fauna: Despite growing urban and tourist development, Ibiza is still home to a variety of terrestrial fauna. Among the animals present on the island, you can find small mammals such as rabbits, shrews and bats, as well as various species of birds, reptiles and insects.
4. Human impact: The ecosystem of the island of Ibiza has been influenced by human activity, especially mass tourism. The growth of the tourism sector has led to increased urbanisation, which can lead to the loss of natural habitats and the fragmentation of ecosystems. Intensive use of water, pollution and waste associated with tourism are other issues that can negatively affect the local environment.
5. Conservation: To preserve Ibiza’s unique ecosystem, conservation and sustainable management efforts have been implemented. These include nature parks and marine reserves as well as initiatives to promote sustainability in the tourism sector.
It is important to underline that Ibiza’s ecosystem is constantly evolving and the conservation of this precious environment requires the participation and commitment of both local authorities and visitors to the island.

Flora –
The flora of Ibiza is characterized by a variety of plants adapted to the Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Some of the major characteristics of the vegetation on the island include:
1. Mediterranean maquis: Maquis is the predominant habitat on the island and is made up of evergreen and deciduous shrubs. Among the most common species are juniper, laurel, phillyrea, myrtle, rosemary and thyme. These aromatic plants are typical of the island landscape and give a pleasant aroma to the environment.
2. Pines: On the island you can find several species of pines, such as the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis). These trees are often found along the coast and in some inland areas.
3. Fruit trees: The cultivation of fruit trees is common in Ibiza, and cultivated species include orange, lemon, apricot, olive and fig trees.
4. Endemic species: Ibiza is home to some endemic plant species, i.e. found only in this region. For example, the Ibizan violet (Viola cunninghamii) is a small plant with purple flowers that grows only on the island.
5. Coastal plants: Given the many beaches and cliffs, there are several plants adapted to coastal conditions, such as sea spurge and ammophila (grass used to stabilize sand dunes).
The native plants of Ibiza contribute to the biodiversity of the island and are an integral part of the Mediterranean ecosystem. However, as in many other Mediterranean areas, there is a risk of soil erosion and the threat of invasive species which can damage the natural habitat. Therefore, the protection and conservation of Ibiza’s flora are important to maintain the island’s ecological balance.

Wildlife –
Ibiza has a fauna represented by different species of animals that inhabit its unique ecosystems. Some of the most significant animals that inhabit the island are:
1. Birds: Ibiza is home to several bird species, including birds of prey such as peregrine falcons, common kestrels and buzzards. You can also find various songbirds, such as goldfinches, robins, and blackbirds.
2. Reptiles: The island has several species of reptiles including common reptiles like lizards and snakes. The Ibizan wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) is endemic to the Balearic Islands and can be seen all over Ibiza.
3. Marine Life: The Mediterranean Sea surrounding Ibiza is home to a diverse range of marine life. In the waters around the island you can find different species of fish, such as grouper, sea bream and damselfish; there are also sea turtles and dolphins.

Environmental Protection Actions –
The island of Ibiza has been subjected to a significant anthropic load creating many environmental problems.
For this reason, some measures and actions have been taken to reduce its impact.
Among these we mention:
1. Conservation of natural areas: Promoting the creation and management of parks and nature reserves to protect the island’s native flora and fauna and preserve delicate ecosystems.
2. Sustainable water management: Implementation of water conservation and sustainable management of water resources programs to reduce the impact on the environment and ensure equitable distribution of water.
3. Renewable Energy: Development and promotion of the use of renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Marine Pollution Reduction: Take steps to reduce marine pollution caused by plastic waste, industrial waste and other pollutants.
5. Waste Management: Promote separate collection and recycling programs to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.
6. Protection of endangered species: Implementation of programs for the protection and conservation of endangered plant and animal species present on the island.
7. Environmental education: Sensitization of the population and tourists on the importance of environmental conservation and the adoption of sustainable behaviours.
8. Protection of beaches and coasts: Adoption of measures to protect beaches and coasts from erosion and the negative impact of mass tourism.
However, the continuous anthropic pressure makes a series of actions aimed at improving the policies for the protection of the terrestrial and marine environment necessary.

Guido Bissanti