To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Majjistral Nature and History Park, a week-long celebration geared towards all the family is being organised at the park between 3 and 9 December.
This was announced during a press conference held at the Majjistral Nature and History Park where Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Climate Change José Herrera addressed those present. Herrera explained that Festa Natura aims to celebrate the park’s 10th year anniversary whilst increasing public awareness on recycling and local environmentally-friendly measures.
He urged the general public to visit this natural park during the Festa Natura Open Weekend and appreciate the beauty of Malta’s biodiversity. The Minister also stressed that this is an opportunity for us all to appreciate this Natura 2000 park by attending and participating in the number of activities which will be held over the two days.
On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December, the park will be open to the general public and be converted into an adventure park with a variety of outdoor activities and educational seminars geared towards garnering further public appreciation of what our land has to offer and how to safeguard it. During the week the park will also be hosting educational outings for school children.
“The Environment and Resources Authority is proud to sponsor this promotional week together with other tangible works being done within the park to improve the biodiversity which include afforestation, outreach measures, rubble wall repair, control of invasive alien species and removal of illegally dumped construction and demolition waste. We hope that we attract the public to enjoy the diversity within. We trust this week leads to more enticing activities within the Park aimed at bettering both our biodiversity and our quality of life,” said Darrin Stevens, Deputy Director for ERA.
Founded on three factors, ‘learn, explore and sustain’, Festa Natura promises to be a celebration of nature’s bounty and the raw beauty of Malta’s protected landscape.
The activities will centre around the self and the environment with adult and family yoga sessions; trekking for both beginners and adventurers; archery, snorkelling and kayaking, abseiling and zip-lining for children and adults; guided cycling tours; clean-up hours; landscape and wildlife photography; bird watching; and guided walks. To further emphasise the event’s sustainability factor, over 1,000 trees will be planted at the park throughout the week to help commemorate this celebration.
The educational aspect will be strengthened by expert-led talks on various subjects. Alfred E. Baldacchino will be leading a talk on butterflies, Peter Gatt on wormeries, Shark Lab on marine life and Greenhouse on conservation. For archaeology and history enthusiasts, Dr Keith Buhagiar will delve into the cultural landscape of the park pre-1530 and Ghislaine Calleja will talk about the national and natural history of the Majjistral Nature Park. Festa Natura will also strive to promote local produce. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of the natural environment by visiting educational stalls set up by various NGOs.
Majjistral Park extends from Golden Bay to Il-Prajjet and Ix-Xagħra l-Ħamra. With 6km of coast, sites of historical and archaeological importance dotting the area, agricultural activities, and vibrant natural habitats, the park was designated a Special Area of Conservation of International Importance within the Natura 2000 network of sites. With so many areas to explore and activities to participate in, Festa Natura guarantees an active and filled week immersed in Malta’s precious natural heritage.
A full programme of activities is available at www.festanatura.org. Reservations for the activities is also possible via the portal. Participation in the event and its activities is free of charge for all, but voluntary donations will be welcome.
Stalls and activities will be open to the public on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December from 9am till 6pm.
Festa Natura is being organised by the Majjistral Nature and History Park, in collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change and the Environment and Resources Authority.
Also present at the press conference were Sammy Vella, Chairperson of Management board of Majjistral Nature and History Park, and Ghislaine Calleja, Representative of Heritage Parks Federation
Follow Majjistral Nature and History Park on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/majjistralpark.org.
For more information about this event, please contact [email protected].