Kevin J Drake, director, communications and PR, Malta Tourism Authority, Valletta
Stones important for sandy beaches
I refer to letters sent in by Shaldon Micallef, Għajn Tuffieħa Slowly Losing Its Beach (June 11), and Walking On Stones At Sandy Golden Bay (June 25), penned by Godfrey R. Pace. Both correspondents raise issues that, perhaps, require some sort of clarification, especially with regards to the presence of pebbles and rocks at the water's edge of the two adjacent beaches being referred to, and their suggested removal.
On various occasions the Malta Tourism Authority has obtained specialised advice with regards to the issue at hand.
The specialists have advised the MTA that any activity, including infrastructural works, that interferes with the movement of sediment and other inputs in the sand production process will result in the erosion of the beach. The MTA has been cautioned that the removal of pebbles, stones and other rocky material from beaches is a short-sighted move - one that will do lots of harm in the long run. This is so since the removal of such materials starves the beach of its much needed raw material from which sand is eventually produced.
Rather than removing such natural materials, it is important that beaches are properly managed to eliminate extant impacts and to control harmful activities. It is for this reason that the Malta Tourism Authority has, for the past years, been increasing its efforts to holistically manage a number of beaches. Pilot projects were carried out at Golden Bay, St George's Bay in St Julians, the perched beach at Buġibba and Għadira Bay in Mellieħa. Just last week St George's Bay was awarded the Blue Flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a first for local beaches. Work progresses on other beaches being managed by the MTA in an effort to obtain Blue Flag status for these too.
Through the experience gained from the management of these beaches, the MTA intends to expand such management to other sites. The authority also encourages and supports other organisations, such as NGOs, who have taken it upon themselves to manage some of the other beaches.
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godfrey R. Pace
Jul 6th 2009, 16:17
I have used Golden Bay for many years as my favourite beach. In fact, since the British Military used it as their own private beach, calling it Military Bay. The only few small pebbles one could encounter were on either side of the bay. Now the private little beach taken over by the hotel has been cleared of these stones and moved to the centre of the bay. How can you expect people of any age to walk on these sharp stones, some of which are as big as a football ? I say sweep these stones away asap. Pile them to the far corner on the rocks. The rough sea will eventually take them back in the winter, if the experts think that they are important to maintain the sand.The same should be done to Ghajn Tuffieha beach. Another point. I suggest that all barbeques are stopped. These should be held on the rocky shore in different places along the coast and which are specially prepared flatened with cemented surfaces just for these occasions.
R.Micallef
Jul 6th 2009, 12:58
Couldn't an effort be done to move the majority of the pebbles far out at sea or moved to one end of the beach only? The waves and storms will eventually bring them back in, in winter time, but at least you avoid breaking a leg in summer.
The situatation is getting worse every year. We don't have plenty of beaches here in Malta, so it would be good if something is done rather than just calling it quits.
There are many things environment organisations call against - even having beach cafe's on the sand, but you (as in government as a whole) still allow them. They also were against imported quarry sand for St. Geroges Bay, St. Julians and Bugibba, but the authorities still went ahead with the projects.
I will not mention the present controversy of bahrija, as it will be out of subject with beaches, but one can easily feel the two weights and two measures attitude.