The Xrobb l-ghagin Nature Park and Sustainable Development Centre A EEA/Norway Funded Project By Orland Bonavia, Project Leader
The Xrobb L-Ghagin Nature Park, Malta
Nature Trust Malta (NTM) NTM was founded in 1962 as a non-profit volountary Non Government Organisation. It now counts around 2000 members. NTM is Committed to the Conservation of Maltese nature by promoting environmental awareness, managing areas of natural and scientific interest, and lobbying for effective environmental legislation.
Nature reserves managed by NTM White Tower Bay Sand dunes Pembroke Garrigue prark Wied Għollieqa Nature Reserve DWEJRA Heritage Park Il-Ballut Salt Marsh Xrobb l-għaāin Nature Park
The Xrobb l-ghagin Nature Park Woodland Habitat Steppe Habitat Visitors centre Garigue Habitat Xrobb l-ghagin is a peninsula of 155,950 m 2 located to the South East of Malta, next to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk
Environmental importance of Xrobb L-Ghagin Geological features: Located on globigerina limestone cliffs
Ecological Features Presence of different types of habitat Steppe habitat Garrigue habitat
Ecological Features Presence of rare or endemic plants Presence of wild animals (Hedgehogs, chameleons, rabbits, lizards, etc)
Site Prior to Project Abandoned since 1996 when the German radio station Deutsche Weller was closed down; Incorporates a dilapidated building occupying 1,600 m 2, together with degraded land and garrigue and steppe habitats.
There is a huge reservoir which can retain up to 400,000 litres of water; The area is strategically close to the sea and ideal to do research on photo-voltaic and wind renewable sources of energy.
Objectives of the park Restoration of the building; Nature conservation of the site; Demonstration of the benefit of renewable energy sources; Treatment of generated sewage waste to be used for irrigation and flushing purposes; Offer to the general public green open spaces; Offer educational facilities.
The rehabilitation of the existing buildings to include the following functions within it: Environmental Education Centre to be used for talks, seminars and lectures for both primary and secondary school students; The setting up of a dormitory to be used by local and foreign students for overnight stays.
Nature Trust (Malta) Project Phase 1 Micro Wind Turbines Library for 30 Conference room for 100 Primary level room Renewable energy Demo Room Administration Area Canteen / Kitchen Water Treatment Plant Dormitories 24 students 5 teachers
The setting up of a biological septic tank that will enable sewage water to be used as second class water The setting up of photo voltaic cells and wind turbines and the use of fuel cells to be able to ensure that there is enough energy for the project
Nature Conservation Afforestation project within the degraded area consisting of 15,000 trees and shrubs.
The disturbed ground is going to be converted into woodland area
Restoration of the garrigue and steppe habitats.
A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Environmental: Using sources of renewable energy for its energy consumption; Reusing water for irrigation purposes; Providing valuable environmental knowledge on various aspects to the general public especially to school children and youths; The afforestation project apart from creating a natural park will also be contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases; The project will be an example of how future projects can be developed in Malta.
Project Results Better economy for stakeholders; Practical use of renewable energy sources and use of treated sewage water; Eco Tourism; Show case of Nature Heritage Park; Environmental education facilities; Possible future funding for other conservation projects.
Future projects The creation of a rehabilitation centre for injured turtles, birds, reptiles and other local wildlife. The setting up of the Arvid Pardo Malta Marine Research Centre by IOI- MOC
Nature Trust (Malta) Project Phase 2 and 3 Wildlife Rehabilitation area and clinic Turtle Rehabilitation area Marine Aquariums Marine Research Centre
Funding Xrobb l-ghagin Nature Park and Sustainable Development Center is been supported by grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway though the EEA financial mechanism and the Norwegian financial mechanism.
Financial resources Summary of EEA/Norwegian funds allocated to project: EEA financial mechanism: 263.389 Norwegian financial mechanism: 372.336 Nature Trust Malta: 88.916 Total Grant: 724.641
Supporting project partners
Thanks Nature Trust Malta Wied Ghollieqa Environmental Centre C/O University of Malta Msida Malta info@naturetrustmalta.org www.naturetrustmalta.org