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

• Published in: Journal of coastal research Vol. 65; no. sp2; pp. 1850 - 1855
• Main Authors: Roig-Munar, Francesc X., Mir-Gual, Miquel, Rodríguez-Perea, Antonio, Pons, Guillem X., Martín-Prieto, José Ángel, Gelabert, Bernadí, Blázquez-Salom, Macià
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Coastal Education and Research Foundation 01.01.2013; COASTAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. [CERF]
• Subjects: beach management; environmental classification; SANDY BEACHES; Sun and Sea tourism
• DOI: 10.2112/SI65-313.1
• ISSN: 0749-0208

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