Three large skips were filled with separated waste in just two hours during a recent clean-up of part of the Pembroke Natura 2000 site, organised by Nature Trust (Malta) and the Malta Tourism Authority. The activity formed part of the Clean Up the World 2011, as well as the international NGO Ocean Conservancy’s 2011 International Coastal Cleanup.

The activity was supported by the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs which provided the equipment, Green Skips which provided the skips free of charge, the Pembroke local council and the Socjeta’ Nazzjonali tas-Salvatagg which provided first-aid services free of charge.

A unit from the Armed Forces of Malta, staff members of InterContinental, Pembroke residents and members of Nature Trust participated in the activity, which started with a talk on the Natura 2000 site by Nature Trust. The waste collected during the clean-up was separated before being placed in the skips provided, which filled up in just two hours. And yet, it is estimated that only about 30% of the waste at the site was cleaned up.

While thanking those who participated in the activity for their time and dedication, Nature Trust executive president Vincent Attard said, “It is unfortunate that a number of people still act irresponsibly and lack a sense of civic pride. Failing to dispose of waste correctly contributes to public health problems and causes ecological damage.”

The waste collected included mattresses, cupboards, a freezer and a dish washer, computer parts, beverage cans, plastic bottles, car parts, metal bars and light fittings, among other material and items. Pembroke is an important site from an ecological point of view; it is home to various orchids and endemic plants, as well as a variety of fauna such as chameleons, hedgehogs, black whip snakes and others.

From a historical point of view, there is the Madliena Tower, which Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna obtained from the government for restoration and management purposes in 2009. The tower was built in the mid-17th century during the reign of Grandmaster De Redin as part of the construction of a chain of 13 other towers along the coast, whose purpose was to deter smuggling and warn off the presence of corsairs and pirates. In 1771, a rock-hewn fougasse was added as additional protection to the nearby inlet.

During the early part of the British period, the tower was used as an anti-smuggling post until it was ceded to the military, which used it as a flag post to mark the event of live firing at the nearby musketry and artillery ranges. During World War II the tower was also used as a beach post and a beach-gun position was also added.

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