Environmental conservation and the protection of our native biodiversity are two of the pillars of functioning ecosystems, and it is our duty to promote and invest in initiatives which preserve it for present and future generations – ensuring that our natural heritage does not become a distant memory, said Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia.
The minister was addressing a press conference at Razzet tal-Bagħal (‘The Mule’s Farmhouse), a site managed by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation Malta (FKNK), where he announced that the site will extent an interesting initiative, among others, in order to support a better understanding of the importance of biodiversity.
The farmhouse includes a visitors and interpretation centre with broad-level information on the historical and natural features of Buskett, including aspects of geomorphology, hydrology, ecology and cultural heritage. Another room within the farmhouse is used as an educational teaching area to cater to visiting research teams and students, providing a space for briefings, talks and lectures on environment-related matters.
The site is home to the barn owl project which will now enter its second phase. This project aims to reintroduce barn owls in suitable environments in Malta and Gozo through a technique successfully conducted by falconers across the globe. It is supported by the Conservation of Wild Birds Fund for Voluntary Organisations.
The minister also announced the extension of a native tree nursery on land adjacent to the farmhouse. In early 2020, the FKNK, together with ACT’s initiative of Saġġar, set-up a Nursery within the Razzett tal-Bagħal by planting over 2,500 seeds, in 800ml square re-usable pots, of native trees and shrubs which were collected from the Buskett gardens’ surroundings. The trees will then be distributed to the public for free.
“As the largest organisation and biggest stakeholder in Malta with regards to the management and the conservation of the rural environment, as FKNK we feel obliged to carry out projects which seek to conserve biodiversity in Malta”, said FKNK PRO Lucas Micallef.
He explained that this project will re-introduce the Barn Owl back to its natural habitat and which will extend to other urban and rural areas in the Maltese islands at a later stage. “Moreover, another interesting project which started earlier this year through a collaboration with ACT and thanks to Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia will include the extension of a nursery for indigenous plants which will be distributed to the public for free. Such projects will create natural habitats which can be enjoyed by all, whilst also supporting the Maltese ecosystem and biodiversity”, concluded Mr Micallef.
Photo: DOI/MECP
