Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli and Minister for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi visited ongoing afforestation efforts in two forested areas as part of the Project Silva Green Pathways initiative.
The conservation efforts by Ambjent Malta, with an investment of over €1 million, will cover an area of over 55,000sqm — the size of around 7 football grounds — in the Northern part of Malta.
Afforestation efforts in the 1970s transformed these sites into woodlands primarily dominated by Aleppo Pines (Pinus halepensis) and are found in the vicinity of three Natura 2000 sites; including L-Inħawi tar-Ramla tat-Torri u tal-Irdum tal-Madonna, is-Simar and il-Wied tal-Miżieb.
Through this project Ambjent Malta will be implementing several actions in L-Aħrax ta’ Ġewwa in Mellieħa and Miżieb. These sustainable actions include shredding of dead Aleppo Pines and the use of the shredded material for mulching, implementing measures to control Acacia spp., planting of 1,800 of different indigenous trees species, and restoring dilapidated corbelled stone hut.
These ecologically important interventions will help create an ecological buffer and corridor connecting the adjacent Natura 2000 sites. Moreover, actions will help increase the site’s potential as a refuge for migrating species with increased tree cover and food sources. By limiting the invasion of invasive and non-native plants, native biodiversity will flourish.
Minister Miriam Dalli stated that Government’s commitment to environmental restoration includes tree-planting, creating new open spaces and supporting Malta’s biodiversity. “We are committed to conserving the natural areas that we have, as well as supporting thriving, resilient ecosystems that support biodiversity and enhance our quality of life. Project Silva Green Pathways reflects this vision in action.”
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi emphasised that this project is a clear example of how European funds can be used strategically to protect and conserve high-value natural areas. “Projects like Silva demonstrate this Government’s commitment to the environment through continuous investment. The 75% co-financing from the total expenditure by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development helped make this ambitious project a reality; one that will not only enhance biodiversity but also create better and more beautiful spaces for the public.” Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi praised the behind-the-scenes work being done to ensure that this Fund continues to translate into more ambitious projects in favour of Malta and Gozo’s rural and natural environment.
Also present for the visit were representatives from Ambjent Malta, the Mellieha Local Council and the Federation for Hunting and Conservation Malta (FKNK).
Chief Scientific Officer at Ambjent Malta Dr Alexander Borg Galea said, “Project Silva will help enhance the site’s visual and cultural landscape characteristics. Through this project, we also aim to enhance the area’s carbon sequestration by increasing indigenous tree cover in the areas from the current 8.5% to 42%.” He added that the Department remains committed to work in tandem with local stakeholders in the environment sector, and help in preserving, and restoring the local biodiversity through initiatives like this one.
Both l-Aħrax ta’ Ġewwa and il-Miżieb sites have suffered from fire disasters leading to the destruction of important habitats and thousands of mature trees, including Aleppo pines. These fires also led to the exacerbation of the invasion of non-native Acacia spp. negatively impacting the sites’ biodiversity. As such, significant preparatory work had to be undertaken for this project to be implemented.
As part of the project and to help reduce wildlife risks, such as fires in the future, Ambjent Malta will also be removing dead trees and installing fire information boards and fire markers to inform visitors on how to prevent wildfires and what can be done if a fire is present.
Efficient water irrigation systems in the areas will be installed which these will improve the soil characteristics of the area, by enhancing soil-water retention.
Photo: DOI/MEEC-MFI
