Consultation on Dwejra project

Nature Trust (Malta), with the support of the Dwejra Steering Committee, held a number of public consultations in recent weeks as part of the Dwejra LIFE project, which started last April.

Meetings were held with various stakeholders to describe the project, and gather comments and suggestions from all interested parties.

These comments will be taken into account during the drafting of the five-year management plan for the Dwejra Nature Park. During the meetings it was clear that there were minor conflicts between different stakeholders. These conflicts are being addressed to find a balance between the stakeholder needs, and the environmental conservation of the site and the project management itself. So far, the feedback obtained shows that the stakeholders were eager to participate.

Nature Trust recently organised an open public consultation meeting at the NGO centre in Xewkija to identify any other possible stakeholders involved and also held two separate meetings with residents of San Lawrenz and Gharb.

During these three meetings, Nature Trust president and Dwejra Project co-ordinator Vincent Attard explained the project objectives, targets and aims. Those present were also given the opportunity to express any concerns and to make suggestions which will be taken into consideration in the management plan.

Nature Trust made it clear that the Dwejra Natural Park would remain open free of charge at all times. Sustainability plans were also drafted as a fund generator for the project. One of the major concerns was the need to see better management of traffic flow and parking down at Dwejra. This will be given priority once the management plan is concluded and approved by MEPA.

Other issues raised included concerns on the state of the Azure Window and what could be done to keep its erosion in check.

The boathouse owners expressed their concerns on the legal position the authorities would take on these buildings, the storms and their effects on the boathouses, repair permits, toilet facilities at the Inland Sea, parking management at the Inland Sea and the need for a boat trailer parking area.

They also discussed the number of boats using the Inland Sea area and the pollution being caused inside the bay, suggesting that there be better management between the boat operators and the divers.

Questions were raised on whether the Marine Protected Area would affect traditional fishing. Drift nets were having a negative effect on the marine environment of the area. Pleasure boats dropping anchor were damaging marine ecology in sensitive sites. A number of stakeholders also asked for law enforcement to stop illegal activities, such as removing fossils, driving on fossils and boats leaving a mess behind them.

The main aims of the project is to restore the site in an expert way, improve the economy for the stakeholders earning their living from Dwejra, and give visitors value for money while promoting eco-tourism and have environmental education on site.

The Steering Committee includes representatives of MEPA, the Ministry for Gozo, San Lawrenz council and WWF Italy. The public is invited to send any additional comments about the project by Sunday at Nature Trust (Malta), PO Box 9, Valletta, or e-mail info@ naturetrustmalta.org.