New article: Beaches of Ibiza and Formentera (Balearic Islands): a classification based on their environmental features, tourism use and management

Sandy beaches are, in fact, natural ecosystems characterized by their high dynamism and complexity. Their formation and evolution will depend of many natural agents which generate both erosion or depositional processes. However, mainly in places such as Balearic Islands (Spain), the antropogenic pressure has became itself as an important variable at the time to consider the beaches according their current state (natural or altered). In this sense I share an article dealing about the classification of beaches of Ibiza and Formentera (Balearic Islands) according to the analysis from variables of state, use and conservation.

Abstract:

In order to define their character a total of 100 beaches of Ibiza (76) and Formentera (24) are analyzed on the basis of 35 variables of beach use, state and management. We take as a reference a primary classification where three types of beaches have been considered; urban beaches (A), semi-natural beaches with urban features (B), and natural beaches (C). Departing from this scenario, and taking into account the identified variables, statistical analysis (Cluster and PCA analysis) have been done in the sense of identifying the current state of each beach and the differences among them. Currently many of the beaches of Ibiza are urban beaches (A). Furthermore the results suggest a potential trend that some of natural beaches (B-C) can become to A type in the next future. Understanding this classification, and also the recent history of the management applied in the study units, allow predicting trend scenarios. In this sense, management changes should be proposed in order to improve their current situation, and drive them toward a better conservation status.

Location and classification of beaches analyzed along the coastal strip of Ibiza
and Formentera (Balearic Islands).

Link:

http://www.academia.edu/3299026/Beaches_of_Ibiza_and_Formentera_Balearic_Islands_a_classification_based_on_their_environmental_features_tourism_use_and_management

Reference:

Roig-Munar, F.X., Mir-Gual, M., Rodríguez-Perea, A., Pons, G.X., Martín-Prieto, J.A., Gelabert, B., Blázquez-Salom, M. (2013). “Beaches of Ibiza and Formentera (Balearic Islands): a classification based on their environmental features, tourism use and management”. Journal of Coastal Research, SI65 (II): 1844-1849.

Miquel Mir Gual