“The end result of the SIMBIOTIC project will be beneficial for the respective territories that form part of our regional heritage. The aim is that this heritage is protected and preserved for for the enjoyment of the present as well as for the future generations.”

This was stated by Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono when addressing participants attending the workshop on the Sicily-Malta BIOgeographical transboundary Insular Connectivity (SIMBIOTIC). This project is managed by the University of Malta and is co-financed by the European Union under the Italia-Malta 2007-2013 territorial cooperation programme. The four SIMBIOTIC partners, are The Institute of Earth Systems, the Ministry for Gozo, the University of Catania and the Comune dì Pachino, Sicily.

The main objective of the seminar was that the participants give their feedback on the work done so far in relation to the main objective of this project, which are to enhance the ecological integrity, connectivity and management effectiveness of protected area landscapes in the Syracuse-Gozo cross border area. This means the restoration and rehabilitation of natural habitats on the island as well as strengthening the management of protected areas in eastern Sicily.

The sites identified in Gozo are having ecological restoration work carried out to regain the natural environmental and ecological features. 1000 trees and shrubs are being planted at four sites of natural beauty across the island, The scope of this initiative is to encourage natural regeneration in the restored sites and possible regeneration in adjacent areas and biotopes.

The four sites chosen in Gozo to be restored under the SIMBIOTIC programme are in Xewkija, Ta-Lambert, It-Taksis and at Ghammar. The greater number of trees, about 500, will be planted at the Government Farm, soon to be designated as the Centre for Innovation in Rural Sciences and Environmental Management in Xewkija. Around 150 other native trees will be planted on Ghammar Hill, replacing a number of Acacia trees, to restore the natural environment.

The Minister explained how the objectives of the SIMBIOTIC project dove tails perfectly with the implementation of Government’s eco-Gozo vision. She also explained how the Ministry for Gozo is drawing up the second action plan for the years 2013-2015 in the context of this vision, as the work of the first phase for 2010-2012 moves towards its conclusion.

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