The equivalent of about four large skips of rubbish was collected during a clean-up around the Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park and Sustainability Development Centre in the Delimara area this morning, thanks to a coordinated effort between Nature Trust (Malta), HSBC, the Marsaxlokk Local Council, and the Resources and Rural Affairs Ministry.

The event was organised by Nature Trust environmental educator and nature walks guide Annalise Falzon, and the participants included 15 HSBC employees, Marsaxlokk mayor Edric Micallef, Nature Trust council members, and other members of the public. A couple of hunters praised the initiative and also gave a helping hand.

The clean-up covered the area between St Paul’s Battery and the gorgeous bay of It-Taqtiegha. A few days before the event, workers from the Resources and Rural Affairs Ministry’s PARK Department (Parks, Afforestation and Countryside Restoration) pruned dead branches and acacia trees, and removed the dry grass along the road leading up to the nature park.

Nature Trust president Vince Attard appealed to members of the public who visit the area to enjoy the countryside and the beautiful natural scenery to keep the area clean.

“This area is particularly important from an ecotourism point of view. We would like to find the necessary support to restore St Paul’s Battery, so we have started cleaning the area around it, as well as other parts of the Xrobb l-Ghagin peninsula. There is still quite a lot of rubbish in the ditch around the battery, so other clean-ups are definitely needed.”

Sergio Bellizzi, HSBC regional director central and northern region, commented: “Today’s clean-up was very rewarding for me and our employees – it was good teambuilding and good fun. It was very positive not only to look at sites with great heritage potential, but also to discover some hidden gems on Malta. These initiatives are an active part of HSBC’s sustainability policy. We strongly encourage everyone to keep these sites clean and make every effort to protect our environment.”

Marsaxlokk mayor Edric Micallef praised Nature Trust for taking the initiative to organise the clean-up event in Xrobb l-Ghagin and to cover, in particular, the area around St Paul’s Battery.

“We often complain about the negative environmental impact of industrial activity in the southern part of the island, but we should not stop at that. We need to do our part to take care of the environment. Delimara is rich in historic and cultural heritage, which we and future generations can enjoy if we look after it.

“My first appeal therefore goes to those who are not yet capable of visiting and enjoying an area without littering – respect others who may be visiting the site after you’d have left. My second appeal is to have more people participating in similar initiatives; the Marsaxlokk Local Council would be ready to help improve the state of the environment of our locality.”

The Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park and Sustainability Development Centre received more than 5,000 students and 8,000 members of the public in its first year of operation (May 2011 till May 2012). It will be open seven days a week between 8am and 5pm as from tomorrow.

Further information can be found at www.naturetrustmalta.org.

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