Best known as a clubbers paradise, the Mediterranean island of Ibiza is considered of such ecological and cultural importance that the United Nations designated the island and its surrounding waters as a World Heritage site.
The waters surrounding Ibiza are home to oceanic Posidonia, a giant seagrass found only in Europe, as well as whales, dolphins and turtles.
However, Scottish oil company, Cairn Energy, hold the rights to explore for oil in an area to the north-west of the island in the Gulf of Valencia. The company is awaiting a decision on its environmental impact assessment by Spanish authorities, which will determine whether it can go-ahead.
Opposition to oil drilling has been strong, with more than 10,000 supporters marching through the island’s streets as a demonstration. However, the Spanish government has said that the country imports 99 percent of its oil and gas, and that Spain must become more self-sufficient.
Nonetheless, 90 percent of the economy is based on tourism – and both locals and visitors do not want the risk of an incident.
Ibiza is a treasure to both locals and the hundreds of thousands of visitors it receives every year. Please sign the petition to help save the pristine waters of Ibiza from oil companies.
