The controversy over gravel in the Ta’ Qali picnic area highlights how problems arise when spaces are used for purposes they were not designed for, such as large-scale commercial events. This is in an artificially created zone, but nearby natural valleys that are meant to be rehabilitated are being worked on with heavy machinery, causing damage to Malta’s natural heritage, ADPD said Saturday.
Party Secretary General Ralph Cassar noted that several conservation experts contacted him with concerns about the methods being used in valley rehabilitation. In places such as Wied il-Qlejgħa and Wied tal-Isperanza, entire areas have been stripped of vegetation, resulting in serious harm to biodiversity.
A letter was sent to the Ombudsman to question whether the regulatory authority, ERA, is properly supervising Project Green, the entity responsible for these works, to ensure that rehabilitation is being carried out according to ecological restoration standards. Unlike urban landscaping, ecological restoration requires specific techniques that Project Green appears unfamiliar with.
The party has requested an investigation into ERA’s monitoring of rehabilitation works in Wied il-Qlejgħa and Wied tal-Isperanza (PA 08068/22). Work, funded 75% by the EU and carried out by Project Green, has been ongoing as of last Thursday. Evidence suggests it is not being conducted according to professional ecological practices and is instead damaging local biodiversity, ADPD noted.
While removing invasive species is essential, methodology matters. Improper techniques are harming native species. It also seems ERA’s permit conditions are being breached, with little enforcement action, ADPD said.