Nature Trust Malta (NTM), in collaboration with the Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry and the Department of Physics of the Faculty of Science of the University of Malta, yesterday launched the Xrobb l-Ghagin Park and Sustainable Development Centre Project.
Xrobb l-Ghagin, the peninsula jutting out from Delimara, was used for over 20 years by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle as a relay station for its radio transmissions. The Malta station used to relay DW to the Mediterranean region, reaching as far as the Middle East and Chad in Africa.
Following the dismantling of the station in 1996, the buildings became dilapidated and were briefly used as a store by a tuna penning firm. The 155,950 square metre area is scheduled as an Area of Ecological Importance and is bound by a high perimeter wall except on the northern side, which is open to the sea cliffs in the area.
The project includes the conservation of the steppe, garigue and marine habitats. The building will eventually include two further projects, a marine rehabilitation centre and a wildlife clinic aimed at rehabilitating injured wildlife for eventual release back to the wild. The University of Malta will also be creating a marine research institute on the site.
NTM is currently planting trees in the area. This will be boosted by 15,000 indigenous trees sponsored by the HSBC Cares for the Environment Fund. The dilapidated building will be restored and will include an educational centre, a research centre, administrative offices and a dormitory. It will be powered by wind turbines and photovoltaic solar panels. A water treatment facility will also be installed.
The project will cost e724,641. NTM and its partners obtained a financial grant from the European Economic Area and Norwegian Financial Mechanism amounting to e632,901. The NGO will pay e91,740 out of its own money.
NTM president Vincent Attard explained how the organisation was finalising a project in Dwejra and at the same time opening the Xrobb l-Ghagin project. “These two projects situated at the opposite ends of our islands show how keen NTM is on promoting the environment in every corner of Malta.”
Project coordinator Orland Bonavia praised HSBC for its corporate responsibility, which is a catalyst for other private firms to sponsor environmental projects.
Project architect Dr Paul Gauci explained that the premises would not be demolished as they were a fine example of 20th century architecture. “If in the future we are going to schedule late 20th century buildings, the premises would be a serious candidate.” Dr Gauci said he had tracked down the architect as it was evident that the building was designed by a Maltese person.
Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said the project would be giving back the wonderful area to the Maltese. The public, he said, could enjoy the area, hold picnics and learn about the biodiversity of the site. He stressed that this project was the second launched in a week in partnership with an NGO. Minister Pullicino said the fact that the government might not always agree with NGOs did not bar it from seeking their collaboration. He maintained it was easier to criticise than to build a future.
The minister also condemned the recent spate of vandal attacks. He said such vandals only managed to damage themselves and the country’s environment.