Project measures Salobrar de Campos – Mallorca
GOB (Balearic Group of Ornithology and Defence of Nature) is a non governmental organisation and registered charity, legally founded in 1973. The objectives of GOB are the conservation and study of nature and the environment of the Balearic Islands. The organisation is structured in four sections, one on each island (Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera). GOB is independent from any economic group, political party or administrative agency. Funding comes mainly from membership fees, donations and projects.
The main goal of GOB is to conserve Salobrar de Campos and the beach of Es Trenc against uncontrolled tourism development. Besides carrying out research in ornithology, GOB''s efforts are targeted at the protection of the environment (natural sites, biodiversity, water, transport, waste, energy, etc.). The environmental education service offers a large educational programme to schools, associations and interested groups. Furthermore, members and interested persons can participate in hiking trips, work camps, campaigns, training courses and many other activities.
Salobrar de Campos was officially declared an Associated Member of the Living Lakes network on the occasion of a press conference in Majorca on the UN Water Day on 22nd March 2004. Salobrar de Campos comprises of several ponds used for the extraction of salt from the sea. They are connected to the Mediterranean Sea via a channel at Es Trenc beach. Many migrating birds can be observed there. The whole natural area is surrounded by agricultural land. Salobrar was declared Special Protection Area (SPA) classified under the Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and Site of Community Importance (SCI), designated by Spain in accordance with the Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Nevertheless a full adequate protection of this natural area continues to be pending, although it is expected to be declared a Natural Park by the autonomous administration, fulfilling the previsions of the LEN, and with the Pacte de Progrés signed by the political parties that support the present “Govern de les Illes Balears“.