Nature Trust applies for EU grant for Dwejra project

Nature Trust (Malta) has decided to draft a LIFE proposal to the European Union for a grant towards the conservation and protection of Dwejra with the aim of having the area officially declared a nature reserve and marine protected area.

This proposal is being made in conjunction with the Malta Planning Authority (MEPA) and World Wildlife Fund in Italy (WWF), which has already drawn up 21 successful LIFE nature projects in Italy.

Last year, when work on the LIFE project started, Nature Trust commissioned EMCS, a consultant group, to help out with the financial sections, incorporating a detailed budget for the project. MEPA had also earmarked Dwejra for an EIPP project, budgeting Lm24,000. The project was also endorsed by the Minister for Rural Affairs and Environment, George Pullicino.

All legal and enforcement backing will be supplied by MEPA while WWF will be providing its expertise in nature reserve management and LIFE projects implementation. NABU, a German NGO which works closely with WWF, will also be offering its expertise in environmental education.

The total project will cost around €310,000. Seventy per cent of this funding will be provided by the EU while the rest will come from MEPA, Nature Trust (Malta) and WWF Italy with approximately €76,000, €38,000 and €2,500 respectively. The project will last three years, starting next April and finishing in March 2007.

It will be divided into three phases. During the first phase a detailed study of the site will be conducted to compile an inventory of the ecology, fossils, trees, etc. This will help draw up a management plan from which the implementation of the project shall be carried out. Discussions will be held with stakeholders such as the Malta Tourism Authority, Dwejra boat operators, diving clubs, quarry operators and the Gozo Ministry. A steering committee will also be set up with the main stakeholders, including San Lawrenz council. The estimated cost for this study is €102,250.

Phase two will cover the actual implementation of the management plan where conservation works will be carried out on site. These will include mitigation measures to help stop the degradation factors on the area, rehabilitation, cleaning of rubble, adequate parking facilities, visitors flow management and the restoration of the tower to act as a visitors' centre. Training will be provided for enforcement, zoning of the marine protected area and capacity building for the project for wardens of the area. A study will be conducted to reduce the negative effect of quarries on the site. The estimated cost for this phase is Lm74,500.

The final phase will involve the actual setting up of the reserve, where interpretation panels with information on the ecology, geology, archaeology, etc. will be set up along the site. Visitors' footpaths will be designated to reduce the negative impact that mass visitors are having today on the site.

This phase will involve a legal framework through MEPA and the introduction of wardens on the site. A visitors' centre, providing information, will be opened. Nature Trust will also be providing guided walks, while promoting eco-tourism in the area.

This project was selected by the EU which described the proposal as sustainable with good management, environmental concepts and an innovation in eco-tourism.

As in all LIFE proposals, Nature Trust is determined to succeed for the benefit of the natural heritage of Malta and Gozo. Dwejra is an area renowned for its unique biodiversity and is considered important for its ecology. Nature Trust wants this project to be the final boost for Dwejra to be declared a World Heritage site and a Nature 2000 site.