A new website that brings together comprehensive information on Malta's botanical gardens has been launched.
The website includes detailed information about the botanical gardens in the Floriana area, including Argotti, Il-Mall (Maglio), San Filippu (Upper and Lower), Notre Dame, Sa Maison, Tal-Milorda, and Jubilee Garden (Pinetum).
This project was launched by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli, in collaboration with Ambjent Malta and the National Botanical Garden Steering Committee (NBGSC), during the Public Service EXPO.
"Knowledge is the first step toward protecting and enjoying our country's natural heritage. With this website, people will be able to access information about the botanical gardens and, above all, become aware of them. It's also a way to promote environmental education and biodiversity. This initiative provides information clearly and accessibly for everyone; children, students, researchers, tourists, and families. Our gardens are beautiful, living spaces that we should be aware of, learn about their value, and appreciate," Minister Miriam Dalli said, while thanking Ambjent Malta and the committee for their efforts.
The website includes virtual tours that explain both the historical and botanical characteristics of each garden. The virtual tour takes you from one point of interest to another, with details based on extensive research from the National Archives and other historical sources.
The website also includes a map of the plant collections present in these gardens, currently featuring around 1,870 plants covering 311 different species. When clicking on a point on the map, an image of the plant appears along with a text description of 965 plant species, available in both Maltese and English.
NBGSC Chairperson Ray Azzopardi stated: "The National Botanical Gardens are not just green spaces, but natural and historical heritage being given new life through joint work under the stewardship of Ambjent Malta, the University of Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), and Heritage Malta - so that these gardens become open, educational, and sustainable spaces for the community and future generations."
The site can be accessed at: https://maltabotanicgardens.gov.mt/.