The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is supporting the San Lawrenz Local Council to continue improving the visitor experience of the Dwejra Interpretation Centre and its surrounding coastal nature reserves.
Kevin Mercieca, the ERA’s Acting CEO and Noel Formosa, mayor of San Lawrenz, signed an agreement to consolidate the two entities’ ongoing collaboration for the next two years, in the presence of Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri.
Minister Dalli thanked the authority and the local council for their continued commitment to this nature park in Gozo, one of the most-visited open spaces on the island.
“While we can no longer admire the world-renowned Azure Window, Dwejra remains one of the most scenic, immersive natural sites in our country, with its treasure trove of endemic flora and fauna, rich marine life, geology, and history. This agreement will help residents and tourists better appreciate the value of this area, whilst increasing our efforts to preserve it for future generations”, said Minister Miriam Dalli.
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri stated that “Dwejra is still known for its natural beauty. The beautiful sea and the picturesque, sublime, and magnificent cliffs attract myriads of people throughout the year. This is why an agreement like the one being signed today is essential in order to continue to enhance the visitors’ experience who choose to visit this wonderful place”.
San Lawrenz Local Council has been managing this Interpretation Centre on behalf of ERA since 2013. Through the new 2022-2024 agreement, ERA will provide the support needed for the local council to continue improving this centre by organising educational tours, hosting training sessions, installing marine litter bins, setting up new exhibits and collecting environmental data about this area’s unique ecological heritage.
In addition to this agreement, ERA is also working with Ambjent Malta to install new and updated information signs. The Authority is also defining three short walking trails that will be signposted with colour-coded directions so that visitors can easily walk around the area without damaging its biodiversity. The walking trails will take visitors to the area’s landmarks, whilst presenting them with information about important species they can spot along the way.
Dwejra is a protected area under the Environment Protection Act and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, forming part of the Natura 2000 Network. Parts of the site also benefit from additional protection as a Special Protection Area since it is an important breeding site for seabirds along its cliffs. This nature park also includes the Fungus Rock Nature Reserve and the Dwejra/Qawra Bird Sanctuary. Dwejra is also protected by law as an Area of High Landscape Value, an Area of Ecological Importance, and a Site of Scientific Importance.
For more information, visit www.era.org.mt or www.localgovernment.gov.mt/en/lc/SanLawrenz.
