Various interventions are ongoing on the Għar Ħasan site in Birżebbuġa as part of efforts to conserve and restore Natura 2000 sites around the islands.
This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia, who explained that the area of intervention forms part of the Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas of the Rdumijiet ta’ Malta: Mix-Xaqqa sal-Ponta ta’ Bengħisa.
This area supports different habitats, such as coastal, cliffs, garrigue and roosting habitats, which in turn support numerous species. These species include geckos, snakes and the Maltese Wall Lizard, as well as mammals, including bats, the Etruscan shrew, the weasel, and the foraging bat species.
“Whilst the main purpose of these interventions is to improve the conservation status of the habitats and species for which this Natura 2000 site has been designated, an equally important longer-term purpose is to ameliorate the recreational and educational aspect. This may be achieved through awareness and improved accessibility,” the Minister said.
This site is characterised by the land cave, known as Għar Ħasan, which has been an attraction due to the size and its aesthetic qualities, both as a large cave as well as for the views of the cliffs and the sea. Specifically, in this cave, efforts are ongoing to conserve the bat species by restoring the connectivity between foraging and roosting areas as appropriate, identifying and protecting additional bat roosts, as well as considering opportunities for new roosts to become established.
Several interventions were enlisted for the conservation of the various habitats and species present in the area, thus Ambjent Malta will be focusing on conducting several measures, which include the removal of the alien species, the reinstatement of the bat grill, the pruning of tamarisk along the existing fence, the planting of trees and the overall cleaning, both in the cave and in the surrounding area.
The Minister reiterated that over 13% of the land on our islands constitutes 34 Natura 2000 sites, which amounts to around 44 km2. “The extent to which future generations can enjoy our natural environment depends on how much we are willing to protect it. The purpose of these interventions being carried out around Natura 2000 sites is to protect our natural environment, ensuring the sites are kept in a good state to be enjoyed in the most sustainable way by everyone, creating a balance between the use of these sites and their conservation,” he said.
Photo: DOI/MECP
