The natural environment of this area in Gozo is impressive. Many unique or unusual geological, geomorphological and ecological features are concentrated in a relatively small area, making this site one of extraordinary scientific importance and heritage value.

The coastal cliffs within this area are known as the most species-diverse of the Maltese islands, housing endemic plants that exist only in the Maltese islands and nowhere else in the world.

In fact, both the sempreviva (Maltese everlasting) and the bjanka ta’ l-irdum (Maltese cliff orache) are only known to be found at this site. The site is also important for breeding seabirds, fine stands of the rare chaste tree and a freshwater pool fed by a perennial spring typified by threatened animals and plants. The particular geomorphology of the Dwejra-Qawra area has resulted, over the years, in a set of interesting features such as the inland sea, the Azure window and the separation of Ħaġret il-Ġeneral, better known as Fungus Rock.

Ħaġret il-Ġeneral is a 65-metre- high megalithic rock which derived its name from a commander of a squadron of galleys, belonging to the Order of St John, who discovered a plant growing on it which is locally known as Għerq is-Sinjur. This islet is also especially important for its lizard, which is an endemic subspecies of the Maltese wall lizard.

This Natura 2000 site will be subject to the preparation of a management plan and/or legislation in the near future, as part of an EU-funded project that Mepa is undertaking for the management planning all the terrestrial Natura 2000 sites of the Maltese islands.