The Gozo Ministry has commissioned a geological investigation on the structural stability of the Azure Window at Dwejra.

Dwejra is an area of considerable scientific and cultural importance, particularly rich in its ecology, geology and landscape value, the Department of Information said yesterday. It is a prime tourist and recreational site for the island of Gozo, and is also an important asset for the island in attracting the television and cinematography industries.

The natural feature which constitutes the Azure Window is probably Dwejra’s best known landmark, and probably the most extensively used scenery in the marketing of the island on an international level.

In recent years it has been noticed that the rock forming the Azure Window is increasingly being eroded, and this process has progressed considerably in latter years. Although erosion is a natural process which in normal circumstances would be left to take its natural course, the loss of this landmark would have considerable negative impact on the island’s tourism industry. For this reason, the ministry has sought expert advice on whether it is possible to intervene in order to limit the damage being progressively incurred by this rock formation and thus slow down the damage on the Azure Window.

Bureau Veritas Consulting Limited from the UK has been appointed to carry out the investigations required. The company has a widespread experience on similar projects.

The appointed consultants recently conducted a site survey at the Azure Window area both from land and from sea. An underwater video footage of the rock formations around the Azure Window was also produced. The Gozo Ministry would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by Lone Dolphin Media of Gharb, Gozo who provided this underwater video footage free of charge.

A preliminary report with recommendations is expected to be presented to the Ministry for Gozo in the coming weeks.

Dwejra, including the Azure Window, is also benefiting from the European Union’s LIFE Third COUNTRIES scheme project, involving the investment of e314,000.