The Alfred Mizzi Foundation has presented a donation of Lm2,000 to the “Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park” set up recently by the government.

This is the first private sponsorship to support this initiative, and was welcomed by Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment George Pullicino. Dr Stanley Zammit, chairman of the management board of the park, and Martin Galea, executive president of Din l-Art Helwa, were also present. Victor Brockdorff, chairman of the foundation and Derek Vella, trustee, said this sum was intended as seed money for a public fund that would eventually allow rehabilitation work to begin in the Nature Park.

The Park comprises an area of 2.6 square kilometres (approximately five times the area of Valletta), and extends from Golden Bay (Ramla tal-Mixquqa) to Anchor Bay (il-Prajjet). This is an area of beautiful countryside and breathtaking views with rare and important flora and fauna. Three NGOs – Din l-Art Helwa, Nature Trust, and the Gaia Foundation will manage the park.

The management of the site will aim at minimal intervention, focusing on the conservation and restoration of rubble walls, historic sites and degraded habitats in the area, ground water protection, and the management of swimming zones and beaches including the popular Golden Bay. Heritage and nature trails are being set up for visitors.