Hondoq ir-Rummien has been declared as Special Area of Conservation, Gozo’s Qortin ta’ Isopu, il-Gebla tal-Hnejja and Gebla tal-Fessej have also been granted national protection.

The Government said that it has sealed the environmental protection of Hondoq ir-Rummien as the site has now been designated by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) as a Special Area of Conservation.

Additionally, il-Qortin ta’ Isopu, il-Gebla tal-Hnejja and il-Gebla tal-Fessej will also enjoy the same environmental protection due to their natural and geological attributes.

In Malta, Xrobb l-Ghagin will also be declared as a Special Area of Conservation.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli and Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, together with ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca and Qala Mayor Paul Buttigieg visited the site that will now also enjoy legal protection.

The Government said that in 2006, this land was given up for development when it was included in the local plans of that time.

“We are giving Hondoq among the highest levels of environmental protection offered by our country’s environmental laws. The Government is legally and officially recognising the natural importance of this area by protecting the area home to rich biodiversity and protected species, such as the locusts and mature olive trees,” explained Minister Miriam Dalli.

She went on to say that this protection means that activities in this area are subject to more rigorous screening or environmental studies than other sites located in outside development zones (ODZ). Where activities are found to have a negative impact on the biodiversity of the area, all consequences would need to be first eliminated.

“In total we are adding another 850,000 square metres to the country’s list of protected land – the size of 120 football grounds, a little bigger than the size of Valletta. This means that, in total, around 30% of the land in our country is protected under various environmental regulations,” said Minister Dalli.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri welcomed Hondoq’s designation as another important step for its conservation, as well as the environmental protection of other sites.

“This continues to build on the work being undertaken by the Planning Authority to designate this site for afforestation and exclude any type of development. I believe that the government is taking crucial decisions to protect sites that are important for Gozitans and Maltese, not only to protect them but also to be enjoyed by future generations,” Camilleri said.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca explained that a conservation plan will now be designed for each of the new sites.

“The addition of new protected sites is a testament to the good work being done by the Authority. ERA will continue working to establish conservation measures for each site while also coordinating with the respective stakeholders to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to better the sites,” he said.

Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg expressed his satisfaction over Hondoq ir-Rummien’s new designation. “I am extremely pleased with the new title as a Special Area of Conservation so that Hondoq’s protection is now sealed once and for all.”

Photo: DOI

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