MALTA-ARCH, a group of citizens who are “deeply concerned about the future of the Malta’s natural, cultural and archaeological heritage,” have organised “Save Santa Verna Temple landscape archaeology walk and talk” event.

Co-Founder of the organisation Dawn Adrienne Saliba, is inviting the public to join them at the viewpoint across from the Xaghra Cemetery, Gozo, for a public gathering to advocate for the protection of the ancient landscape surrounding the Santa Verna temple site -an extremely vital, but endangered part of Malta’s archaeological, cultural, and natural heritage.

The plight of this important site was highlighted in a joint statement by eight NGOs last month, who called on the Prime Minister and the Cultural Heritage Minister “to intervene and stop the destruction” of archaeological remains in the immediate proximity of the Sta Verna archaeological site.

The Gozo Coalition of eNGOs, in a joint statement almost exactly a year ago, called for “transparency” from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage on the proposed development close to the Santa Verna Temple area.

The event is this Saturday, the 23rd of August and starts at 5pm with short speeches by local experts, activists, and concerned citizens. Participants include Sandra Gauci from ADPD, Arnold Cassola, and Nationalist Party candidate, Luke Said

Immediately after, everyone is invited on an Archaeology Awareness Walk on the public path across the threatened landscape, where we will highlight the site’s cultural, historical, and ecological significance.

MALTA-ARCH stated “this is an urgent appeal for protection, preservation, and public accountability – for the legacy of Xaghra, of Gozo, of Malta, and of all humanity.”

The organisation has also submitted a Parliamentary Petition, which it is urging the public to please sign. This can be done by clicking here.

The petition is requesting:

1. An immediate Emergency Conservation Order halting development on the plateau

2. Formal expansion of the Santa Verna archaeological buffer zone

3. A full, detailed, easily-accessible study of the area and all finds

4. Archaeological monitoring independent of developers

5. Protection of all nearby caves and prehistoric features

6. Recovery and study of displaced soil and artefacts

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