The island of **Formentera** (Spain) seeks to position itself as a global benchmark in [**sustainable tourism**](https://noticiasambientales.com/turismo/fiyi-lanza-hora-loloma-turismo-para-cuidar-el-planeta/), thanks to the ecological restoration project **”Living Formentera: The Coolest Islands Invest in Biodiversity”**, promoted by **Baleària and the Nature & People Foundation**.
During the presentation, the **President of the Balearic Government, Marga Prohens**, the **President of the Formentera Council, Óscar Portas**, along with representatives from the business and environmental sectors were present.
## The environmental challenge facing the island
The preliminary diagnosis of the project reveals concerning data:
– **Less than 10% tree coverage in urban areas**, exacerbating the impact of **climate change**.
– **Only 42% of primary vegetation is preserved**, while traditional crops have decreased dramatically.
– **Higher temperatures compared to other islands**, due to the loss of the regulating effect of vegetation.
To reverse this situation, an [**ambitious reforestation plan**](https://noticiasambientales.com/compromiso-ambiental/reforestacion-en-santa-fe-la-iniciativa-de-la-unl/) is proposed, with the **planting of 475,000 native trees** and **6,000 shrubs**.
## Objectives and ecological benefits
The project aims to:
– **Reduce the urban heat island effect**, especially in urban areas, with a drop of up to **three degrees in temperature**.
– **Improve soil quality** and **increase water retention on 10% of the territory**.
– **Expand vegetation coverage to 22% of the island’s surface in the next 20 years**.
Among the planted species are **savins, fig trees, almond trees, olive trees, carob trees, grapevines, jacarandas, and cinnamoms**.
## Economic impact and investment model for ecological restoration
The project will have an investment of **20 million euros**, with an estimated return of **50 euros for every euro invested**, generating an **annual value in ecosystem services of up to 90 million euros**.
One of the main innovations is the creation of **Urban Biodiversity Credits (UBC)**, which will make Formentera the **first island to implement this system**, incentivizing private investment in environmental restoration.
## Strategic collaboration and financing
The initiative will be coordinated by **EverTree**, with the support of **Agforest**, which will provide satellite technology and artificial intelligence for project monitoring.
The financial support comes from the [**Baleària Foundation**](https://fundaciobalearia.org/) and **Conservation Collective**, joining efforts with the law firm **Mishcon de Reya** and the organization **IbizaPreservation**.
## A sustainability model for the future
From **Nature & People**, its president **Juan Costa** emphasized the need to **invest in biodiversity** as part of a sustainable economy.
Adolfo Utor, President of **Baleària**, highlighted that **Formentera is more than a tourist destination, it is a symbol of development and conservation**, and the project is an opportunity to raise awareness among **residents and visitors about environmental protection**.
