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.