Protecting the natural heritage in the Maltese islands (4)

Għajn Barrani spans across the North-Eastern coastline of Gozo dominated by clay slopes from Rdum ta' Kililu to Rdum tax-Xagħra. Il-Qortin ta' Għajn Damma and a valley system known as Wied il-Pergla are also part of this rural landscape.

This complex geomorphological setting is complemented by the presence of freshwater springs, various boulder screes along the coastline and a remote small shingle beach beneath Rdum tas-Sekkek.

The clay slopes, escarpments and coastline constitute pristine natural features, while the valley system and hinterland have been moulded by agricultural activities, which impart a significant aesthetic value to the rural set-ting.

Natural vegetation communities are concentrated along the clay slopes, the lower reaches of the Wied il-Pergla, screes and escarpments. Garigue-steppe communities dominate the northern part of the Għajn Damma plateau, while a mosaic of maquis and garigue communities characterise the base of the escarpments and screes.

In general, due to their unstable nature and their water-retention characteristics, clay slopes are exploited by particular vegetation assemblages that are adapted to such environmental conditions. Within Għajn Barrani area only the very steep slopes that are subject to major erosional processes are void of vegetation.

Otherwise, the slopes that border most of the coastline are considered to be very species-rich.

Mepa scheduled Għajn Barrani as an Area of Ecological Importance, Site of Scientific Importance and Area of High Landscape Value, as per Government Notice No. 935/06 in the Government Gazette dated November 2, 2006, followed by a minor amendment on as per Government Notice No. 369/08 dated May 6, 2008.