Six guardianship deeds for the management of 11 historical sites have been signed between the government and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.

The deeds are for the management, protection and conservation of the sites in the best way possible.

Culture minister Owen Bonnici sought the advice of the Committee of Guarantee prior to the signing of the deeds which gave its consent.

The deeds include a financial plan and an indication of the resources required.

The contracts were signed by the Superintendent for Cultural Heritage Anthony Pace and Mario Farrugia on behalf of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. They were published by the chief government notary Keith Francis German.

To promote transparency, the law regulating Cultural Heritage obliges the ministry to present a copy of the contracts to the House of Representatives within four weeks from the signing.

Additionally and for the sake of accountability, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna must present the result of works being done in relation to the deeds.

Unlike a public private partnership, a guardianship deed enables the direct participation of non-governmental organisations and local councils in the protection of historical monuments.

The next venture for Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is to apply for EU funds for a Piracy Museum in St Thomas’ Tower, in Marsascala. There are also plans for an attraction based on the First World War in Malta, which would be set up at the Notre Dame Gate in Birgu.

Historical sites of which Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is now guardian

Fort Rinella, Kalkara
Notre Dame Gate, Birgu
Madliena Tower,
Pillbox, Mellieħa,
Military Bridge, Madliena
Fougasse, Madliena
R15 Reserve Post, Naxxar
Ab1 Beach Post, Mellieħa
RaO Beach Post, Kalkara
French Post, Couvre Port, Vittoriosa
St Thomas Tower, Marsaskala