The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) said it has put a stop to the damage created by non-authorised vehicular access onto natural areas of importance in Triq Daħlet ix-Xmajjar in Mellieħa, by restricting vehicle access beyond the main asphalted road.
“Following a Stop and Compliance Order issued by the Authority last month to curb these illegal activities, ERA placed a number of boulders close to Aħrax Point. This action will further protect the natural habitats of the area and allow for their restoration through natural regeneration. This is part of a number of actions which the Authority shall be implementing in collaboration with Ambjent Malta and the Ministry responsible for the environment,” ERA said.
ERA published the Natura 2000 Management Plan for this area in 2016, following extensive public consultation.
The Management Plan’s objectives seek to improve the conservation of the habitats present at Daħlet ix-Xmajjel through a number of access control measures such as the control of access of non-authorised vehicle access.
Perit Michelle Piccinino, Director of Environment and Resources stated that “this action will reduce factors causing degradation of the area. It is one of the steps towards the rehabilitation and restoration of the area; to enable habitat restoration and the public’s enjoyment of the area. This action is part of the multiple activities ERA is carrying out to promote a better quality of life in Malta.”
The site where the action took place falls within a Natura 2000 site: L-Inħawi tar-Ramla tatTorri u tal-Irdum tal-Madonna, designated as a protected area under the Environment Protection Act.
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