BirdLife Malta today signed an agreement with government over the management and operation of the Salina Nature Park, where the NGO shall take over said responsibility.

Back in 2016, a preliminary agreement was signed, with the final management agreement signed today. Darryl Grima, BirdLife Malta President, said that this site is the largest nature reserve. He said that the Salini area is currently being embellished, stressing that the site is an environmental site, is a tourism site and is an educational site.

He said that the nature and the dynamics of the site requires continuous attention and certain logistics, however expressed confidence that BirdLife would find help from government.

BirdLife Malta’s hope is that, through some minor changes, the site would attract flamingos and other such birds. He spoke of the importance of preserving open spaces and his hope that the site will attract visitors to observe said birds in their natural habitat.

Environment Minister Jose Herrera and Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg presided over the signing. Borg explained how inter-ministerial discussions eventually led to this agreement.

Herrera said that this agreement is important for the implementation of the previously created management plan. He said that there is a holistic plan for the site while ensuring its protection through this agreement, and will increase the value of this special conservation area.

He mentioned that a few months ago Parliament had past a law whereby the environment minister has the power to issue guardianships such as this. He also spoke of increasing accessibility and the need to protect Malta’s natural heritage.