Over 800 tons of construction material removed from Majjistral Park

Through the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), over 800 tons of construction and mixed material were removed from two areas within the Majjistral Park. The first area tackled was an area known as il-Prajjet, which is situated close to Anchor Bay. Next to be addressed was Ix-Xagħra Il-Ħamra, an area which is close to Manikata. This clean-up is expected to not only improve the aesthetics of the localities, but more importantly will help improve the biodiversity in the area. This is fruit of a Memorandum of Understanding between ERA and the Majjistral Board, which is the responsible administrator of the Majjistral, Nature and History Park, and through which ERA funds such restoration and rehabilitation action and provides relevant expertise.

Tons of invasive alien species were also removed from these protected areas to continue the process of restoring these sites back to their natural state. Invasive alien species that were targeted included the prickly pear and wattle/acacia trees which were taking over the garrigue (xagħri) habitat and the native plants and trees within. Following these extensive works, ERA shall continue regenerating the area by planting indigenous species.

While the works carried out are substantial, more works in other areas within this extensive park are scheduled for 2020. Such works include further removal of invasive alien species, restoration of habitats through rehabilitation and/or forestation, the planting of indigenous plants as well as the restoration of rubble walls and a water reservoir.

Darrin T. Stevens, deputy director Environment and Resources and a representative of ERA on the Majjistral board, added that “in addition to these works, various awareness and outreach initiatives are in the pipeline in order to promote the Majjistral Park, so as to ensure that visitors can enjoy and understand better the biodiversity within”.