Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar notes with great satisfaction that the land at Xaghra l-Hamra which had been earmarked for a golf course, has been handed over to Din l-Art Helwa and NatureTrust for development into a nature and heritage park.

FAA spokesperson Astrid Vella commented “This decision to scrap well-publicised plans for a golf course could not have been an easy one, and it shows great maturity and responsibility on the government’s part.

The area is rich in endemic and endangered species, as well as boasting over 100 archaeological sites including cart ruts. Its development into a nature park not only means that these will be afforded protection, but also that everyone will enjoy the area.

The educational and touristic aspects should also not be overlooked, as the nature walks and activities to be offered by the park will be an invaluable addition to the enjoyment of nature for the Maltese people, as well as filling a serious void in Malta’s touristic product.”

The renewal of farmers’ leases with immediate effect is also greatly welcomed and it is hoped that now that their livelihood is no longer threatened this decision will encourage initiatives such as organic farming projects. With Malta’s essential water supplies dwindling rapidly, the enormous water demands of a golf course would not only have been totally unsustainable, but it would have polluted the vitally important water table underlying the site as well.

With Malta’s coast, from Ricasoli all the way to St Paul’s Bay, suffering from massive over-development, this protection of Malta’s only surviving area of ‘wilderness’ is a much-needed, courageous and very positive step which one augurs will be followed by similar initiatives.

This step also shows a new receptiveness to public pressure on environmental matters, a move which should make the Maltese public more aware that making its voice heard is not a wasted effort.