Malta's first centre for integrated natural and cultural heritage management, the 'I-Land Observatory and Interpretation Centre', is to be set up at tal-Kuncizzjoni in Mgarr by the University's Institute of Earth Systems with support from the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Mġarr council.

The council was the recipient of the land in question from the government.

This project will also set up outreach facilities and educational activities with the aim of promoting environmental awareness, and greater appreciation for Malta's natural and cultural heritage.

"The Observatory will serve to synergise efforts in environmental management, including conservation of biological diversity, while also looking out for Malta's assets at the landscape scale. The earth and life sciences, together with cultural heritage, gel nicely," said Louis F. Cassar, director of Institute of Earth Systems.

Fair Competition Minister Jason Azzopardi said the project will promote Malta's ecological heritage, the provision of a recreational area for the public, nature conservation and ecological restoration.

"The Government will continue to work hard in considering the allocations of such devolutions. This in return, would generate more investment, tourism, higher education and most of all cultural and ecological heritage," Dr Azzopardi said.