Palma de Mallorca, 30th Mar 10

MALLORCA’S SERRA TRAMUNTANA MOUNTAIN RANGE NOMINATED AS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana Mountain Range has been presented as Spain’s nomination for a UNESCO Heritage Site in the “cultural landscape” category as an exceptional example of the Mediterranean’s agricultural landscape.

The nomination presents the unique aspects of the mountain range which demonstrate a combination of Islamic and Western cultures with its ancient irrigation systems dating back to the Arab occupation of Mallorca which still survive today and the distinctive hillside stone terraces, which were specifically constructed to overcome the harsh environment of the natural landscape and make a productive agricultural space mainly for the cultivation of olives.

The Serra de Tramuntana is 90 km long with a maximum height of 1,445m at the Puig Major mountain and stretches from Andratx in the south west to the Cap de Formentor in the far north of the island. The area is rich in flora and fauna where many endemic animal and plant life species thrive.

Over the next few months representatives of UNESCO will visit Mallorca to explore the Tramuntana area themselves and, if successful, the nomination will be announced in 2011. A multi lingual website has been set up to provide full information and to canvas your support: www.serradetramuntana.net.

“Ruta de Pedra in Sec” (Dry Stone Wall Route)

In recent years the local government has invested in the restoration of the Serra Tramuntana’s ancient stone walls, terraces and paths to complete the Ruta de Pedra en Sec (Dry Stone Wall Route) running throughout the mountain range from Andratx in the south west to Formentor in the far north of the island. Visitors can walk the route, which is divided in eight stages, and each stage will have its own refuge when the restoration project is complete. Two refuges are now open; Tossals Verds & Muleta. For further information in English go to: www.conselldemallorca.net/mediambient/pedra

Walking & Mountain Biking in the Tramuntana

Throughout the winter and spring the Serra de Tramuntana attracts hikers and cyclists from all over Europe. Various excellent walking guides have been published including Val Green’s “Landscapes of Mallorca” published by Sunflower Books. In addition, many guided walks are available. In Soller, for example, multi lingual guides can organise walks for different fitness levels and can be contacted via their website: www.mallorcamuntanya.com. Another site developed for mountain biking and hiking is: www.tramuntanatours.com. For the more adventurous who wish to practice canyoning and serious hiking go to: www.mallorcaadventura.com

Black Vulture Conservation Project Thrives in the Serra de Tramuntana

In 1982 the black vulture population in Mallorca was one of the last in the world and almost at the point of extinction with only 20 vultures left on the island. The local Balearic Government response was to launch a recovery programme and therefore the Black Vulture Conservation Foundation (BVCF) was established to implement a strategy for the species´ recovery.

Between 1984 and 1992, 35 vultures were brought from the Spanish Mainland’s Captive Breeding Programme and liberated by the BVCF into Mallorca´s Serra de Tramuntana. The programme has been a great success and now there are approximately 110 individual black vultures and 14 reproductive pairs.

The BVCF coordinates its projects from its headquarters in Mallorca, the Mediterranean Wildlife Conservation Centre, together with the Mediterranean Wildlife Foundation (FVSM) and the Foundation for International Bird Conservation (FCIA). Information: http://bvcf.joopbox.com.

For further information, please contact:
Mallorca Tourist Board, Dominique Carroll / Anna Skidmore,
Tel:(+34) 971 725 396 Fax: (+34) 971 713 540
E-Mail: info@fomentmallorca.org

Further Press Releases:

FIVE NEW HOTEL OPENINGS IN MALLORCA SPRING – SUMMER 2013 (31st May 13)

GOOD NEWS FOR MALLORCA IN 2012 (09th Feb 12)

THREE KINGS - THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE! (05th Jan 12)