Ecological Revival In Nine Valleys Across Malta And Seven More In The Pipeline
In a determined endeavour to protect the environment and mitigate the risk of flooding in Malta’s urban and rural areas, Project Green has made significant strides in rejuvenating the ecological balance of the country’s vital valleys.
These initiatives represent a steadfast commitment to preserving Malta’s natural beauty and improving its environmental health.
Throughout this year, Project Green has undertaken interventions in various valleys, including Wied is-Sewda in Attard, Wied ta’ Għajn il-Kbira in Siġġiewi, Wied il-Lunzjata in the Fiddien area of Rabat, Wied l-Isqof in Rabat, Wied Irmiedi in Attard, part of Wied Speranza in Mosta, Wied Mejxu in Swieqi, Wied ta’ Brija in Siġġiewi, and Wied il-Lewza in Siġġiewi.
“Our efforts extend far beyond mere clean-up operations. We are committed to the long-term ecological health of these valleys, and our work includes the removal of dumped waste, the elimination of invasive alien species, and the reduction of excess sediment,” Steve Ellul, CEO of Project Green stated.
The initiatives carried out by Project Green are a result of meticulous assessments and consultations. “These projects often originate from issues identified by our team during site visits or are brought to our attention by stakeholders such as farmers and residents. Our primary goal is to reduce the likelihood of flooding while enhancing the overall ecological status of these crucial natural areas,” Ellul stated.
In selected valleys, plans are to reintroduce riparian trees and hydrophytic vegetation, replacing areas previously dominated by invasive vegetation.
This proactive approach aims to boost the environmental value of these regions. Among the invasive species targeted for removal are the Arundo donax (Giant Reed), Acacia saligna (Acacia), and the Ricinus communis (Caster oil plant), all of which pose significant risks to local ecology by threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Furthermore, Project Green is taking additional precautions to improve the status of endemic and indigenous species, demonstrating a holistic approach to conservation.
As they look to the future, several projects are in the pipeline, either in preliminary stages or scheduling. These include interventions in Wied Għajn Riħana Canal in Burmarrad, Wied Qannotta in Burmarrad, Wied il-Fiddien in the Sentini area of Rabat, Wied tal-Virtu in Rabat, Wied Baħrija in Baħrija, Wied il-Luq ta’Brija area in Siġġiewi, and Wied Morfu in Zebbuġ.
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