Mepa schedules natural heritage areas
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) has scheduled Wardija Ridge, Il-Ballut tal-Wardija, Il-Wied ta’ San Martin and Il-Maqluba, to safeguard the rich natural heritage these areas contribute towards Malta's eco-system.
Wardija ridge, Il-Ballut tal-Wardija and Il-Wied ta’ San Martin run in a southwestern - northeastern direction from the Għajn Tuffieħa to Xemxija Bay. The northern ridge edge is interrupted by a series of valley systems which discharge into il-Wied tal-Pwales.
The area has been assigned various levels of protection, the highest covering the Holm Oak forest remnant at Il-Ballut and the watercourse at Il-Wied ta’ San Martin: two relatively small pocket areas for which a Level 1 maximum protection has been given. The landscape plateaus, that have been assigned a Level 2 degree of protection as areas of ecological importance and sites of scientific importance, support important garigue communities characterised by rare species.
Others levels of protection have been given to the three valley systems in the scheduled areas, the upper reaches of the watercourse of Il-Wied ta’ San Martin and the Southern part of the promontory at the area known as L-Arġentier.
The area known as Il-Maqluba in the limits of Qrendi is one of the best examples of a deep, large-scale inland solution subsidence structure (doline) in the Maltese Islands. It is the only natural sub-circular depression that is not filled with sediment. The doline serves as a natural soak-away reservoir, with a depth of approximately 15 metres, an area of approximately 6,000 square metres and a perimeter of 300 metres.
This area supports a dense maquis community dominated by Bay Laurel and a native stand of Malta’s National Tree: the Sandarac Gum Tree. Malta’s National Bird, the Blue Rock Thrush, is also known to breed at Il-Maqluba. The immediate surroundings of Il-Maqluba support a maquis dominated by Carob trees and Hawthorn, amongst other species.
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Mr David M. Schembri
Apr 21st 2011, 11:55
Dear Mr Schembri,
The Maqluba can be found at the Lower part of the Qrendi bypass or as it is better know Triq it-Tempesta in Qrendi and not Mqabba.
The site is a treasure trove as regards to its cultural, ecological and social importance within the Qrendi community. The Maqluba features in Malta's folklore due to its legend.
Unfortunately the area cries out for a regular managment of the trees as well as its imediate environment
lgalea
Jan 9th 2009, 19:03
Andrew Gatt
I didn't say it's wrong, but for how long do you think it will be?
Knowing MEPA not for long.
Joseph Schembri
Jan 9th 2009, 17:28
Well done MEPA - Il Maqluba in Mqabba is a national treasure. I remember as a boy managing to climb down into the pit using ropes into what seemed like some sort of primeval forest!
As regards wied Babu in Zurrieq - access to this wonderful valley was limited when 'embellishment' works were carried out prior to last general elections. Zurrieq local council had promised giving back this access but this was never done.
And why is MEPA giving the green light to mobile phone companies to put up transmission equipment in residential areas without any planning permission needed when this clearly violates Structure Plan policy? Several studies show the harmful effects of the radiation from these transmitters and in many countries they are forbidden in residential areas and especially near schools.
Andrew Gatt
Jan 9th 2009, 14:38
Good one MEPA! @ I Galea........come on! What's bad is bad, what's good is good. This is, at least, a step in the right direction.
George Saliba
Jan 9th 2009, 14:16
What about Wied Babu, limits of Zurrieq/ Thsi si a beautiful little know valley that also needs a clean up.
Toni Valletta
Jan 9th 2009, 13:43
Well Done.Now what about Imgiebah It Is being destroyed by Bikers.
H DEMPSTER
Jan 9th 2009, 12:19
Good show..... Lets hope it stays this way and that no cowboy manages to induce someone to destroy this beautiful area. LETS KEEP IT THIS WAY.
lgalea
Jan 9th 2009, 12:15
How long will it be before we see it on the media that the same MEPA has approved an ODZ development by some speculator?
Ray Sultana
Jan 9th 2009, 11:59
Good job Mepa.
I believe in giving credit where credit is due and this is surely an instance where Mepa should be given credit.
I'm sure with a little good will we can save what is left of the beauty of the Maltese islands.
Mepa, keep on taking initiatives like this one. Prosit.