| Qawra-Dwejra Heritage Park Action Plan |
The partners in the formulation of the Qawra/Dwejra Heritage
Park Action Plan, currently in process of public consultation, merit
commendation for the professional presentation. At last concrete measures are
about to start to protect and conserve a part of the hem of the beautiful dress
which mother nature so endowed these islands, to the ingratitude of a large
number of the islanders.
Most worthy are the objectives of the various aspects of the plan, which the
planners themselves define as ideal but difficult to attain for various
limitations, mainly financial, institutional, educational and other. In my
opinion nothing should discourage the planners in this worthy cause, otherwise
it is a lost cause from the outset. Start from what can be done with what tools
are available, because the job is of paramount importance on the right side of
the law to counter illegality at least in this important part of our country. If
I may say, aim high as the gravitational pull of illegality is quasi-intrinsic
to the Maltese mentality, what with no enforcement of existing laws and no laws
whatsoever governing the countryside.
Personally my main concern regarding the plan is that only a central zone is
earmarked as a bird sanctuary where no hunting/trapping will be permitted.
Inconceivable! The entire Heritage Park should be a no-go zone for any form of
destruction and the reasons are obvious. The very purpose of a Heritage Park is
defeated. Moreover, how can the planners not foresee problems of confrontation,
safety, pollution, enforcement, etc.? Define the bird sanctuary limits but let
the Heritage Park act as a buffer zone. Just as there are (or should be) buffer
zones for other bird sanctuaries around Malta.
Parking so close to the core and the probable sanction of existing 'boat-houses'
predating PA regulations are other areas of concern. Quarry space can perhaps be
considered for parking, from where a 'environment-friendly train' will carry
passengers to the centre; and just imagine the inland sea without the amalgam of
haphazard shacks.
In short, respectful to the excellent execution by the planners, I sense they
betray a sense of fear of treading upon toes of third parties, whose interests
can only be selfish at best. Half measures are not warranted especially when the
general interests of the Nation come foremost, where such important issues as
conservation and protection of national monuments are concerned, and when so
much expertise has been spent.
All in all, well done and now hands on with the action.
• Up • action plan • Letters to MEPA •
