A marine protected area established off the coast of Mallorca is proving beneficial not just for the environment but for business, too, according to a study that appears to confirm the long-term benefits of MPAs for both habitats and economies. Click here

According to the study, carried out by the non-profit Marilles Foundation, the protected area has generated €10 in benefits for each euro of the €473,137 (£402,000) invested in the scheme.

Since the 11,000-hectare (27,000-acre) MPA was set up at the request of the Cala Ratjada fishermen’s association in 2007, it has improved fishing in the area, made it easier to regulate leisure activities, slowed coastal erosion, and improved water quality and biodiversity, according to the study.

This is the first time that “natural capital accounting” has been applied to a Spanish MPA

“The results of the study show the numerous social and economic benefits that come from protecting the sea,” said Aniol Esteban, the Marilles director.

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