Public property under the responsibility of the Lands Authority has been transferred on a fifteen-year leasehold to the non-governmental organisation Breeds of Origin Conservancy to be used as a central site for research, regeneration and conservation of intangible cultural heritage linked to indigenous livestock. The property is located in Delimara Street within the limits of Marsaxlokk.
Through this transfer, this land in Delimara will combine scientific research, the principles of rewilding and the protection of cultural heritage, with the aim of ensuring the long-term protection and preservation of indigenous Maltese livestock and varieties, together with the traditions linked to livestock farming, including the practice of grazing, considered an intangible heritage.
At the heart of the project is the recognition of our country’s living cultural heritage, which includes both tangible and intangible elements, including the village, indigenous livestock, especially the Maltese goat.
Minister Bonnici said that this project is a significant step towards preserving what makes our country unique, the races, traditions and other intangible aspects of our country’s heritage. He explained that this transfer will combine research with culture, by preserving not only our natural heritage, but also living treasures that represent the life and history of the Maltese people.
This project, said the Minister, ensures a future where our intangible heritage continues to live on, be enjoyed and inspire others.
The Chief Executive of the Lands Authority, Robert Vella said that the Authority receives many requests of different nature, but this was an unusual one, an area dedicated to animal conservation. He stressed that this project is of great satisfaction to the Authority, especially when you see the passion that the Breeds of Origin Conservancy shows in the work it carries out. Mr Vella also wished that the Breeds of Origin Conservancy continues with this initiative successfully and with benefit for the entire community.
Darryl Grech, founder of the voluntary organisation Breeds of Origin Conservancy, said “If we examine the history of our country and reflect a little on what the true Maltese Heritage is that has shaped our identity, the villager, the Maltese goat and the traditions linked to keeping livestock, including the practice of herding, it is easy to realise that these are firmly established as a living cultural and intangible heritage of our country. These are being looked after today so that they can continue to be protected.”
The transfer was signed by the Chief Executive of the Lands Authority Robert Vella and Darryl Grech in his capacity as Founder of the governmental organization.
