Rangers to start ‘surveilling’ Azure Window after fine deterrent flops – Jose’ Herrera
Rangers will be stationed near the Azure Window in Dwejra, Gozo to keep people from walking over the protected natural arch, Environment Minister Jose’ Herrera told The Malta Independent.
He was replying to questions sent by this paper after the recent publication of a photograph showing some 30 people walking on top of the arch, which is crumbling into the sea below.
In December 2016 the government had issued an emergency conservation order, warning people that anyone caught walking on top of the structure, or the area by the sea below, would be fined a minimum of €1,500. But the threat of a hefty fine was as effective as the noentry signs that had been erected at the site some months before.
Speaking to this newspaper, Dr Herrera said that new multilingual signs and fencing “that is appropriate for the type of site in question” were set up on site in December, when the conservation order was issued.
“Notwithstanding, trespassers kept on abusing and therefore it has been decided by the three ministries involved – the Environment, Tourism and Gozo Ministries – to increase surveillance by placing personnel on site.” Asked to elaborate on this matter, Dr Herrera said these will be rangers.
He added that the Dwejra Committee has since decided to implement an extension of the bollards and rope. “One has to keep in mind that most of the visitors in the area are tourists and therefore other means are also being explored to inform the visitors through tour guides, tour operators, hotels, language schools etc,” Dr Herrera said.
Concern over the iconic arch increased over the past few months and years as chunks of the structure fell into the water below. Recent photos and video of daredevils performing cliff dives have angered many and raised questions on the apparent lack of enforcement. That could change if rangers guard the approaches to the Azure Window, turning people back.
A geologist recently told The Malta Independent that individuals walking on top of the arch would probably not damage the structure but larger groups could. Dr Peter Gatt said the arch will remain stable for a number of years to come but rock falls could endanger lives.
A video uploaded to the internet late last year showed a cliff diver dislodging a metre-long stone as he went flying over the edge. The rock landed just a few feet away from the man in a huge splash.