Valleys in Malta : a case for their conservation : an analysis of the state of valleys in the Maltese Islands and an investigation of their possible rehabilitation and conservation

Abstract

There has been a long-running but very weak campaign to make people more aware of the need for rehabilitation and to enhance the image and state of valleys. People should not ask "Why should I do it ?", but "How should I do it ?", creating an unprecedented demand for training and advice. In this thesis the conclusion, to conserve and rehabilitate valleys, was taken after four case studies were taken into consideration and all four of them resulted to be in need of rehabilitation. Valleys are important as water catchment areas; they are ecologically important since they support diverse communities of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to that particular area. Action was taken in the past, but it failed to take into account all the aspects concerning valleys. Even the policies within the Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands are very general and in need of some revision. Infact the policy RCO 28 states "Valleys will continue to be protected as water catchment areas" Therefore this policy look at valleys as important water catchment areas but does not consider their ecological importance. The shelter provided by their sides and their water supply make valleys the richest habitat on the island, since they support diverse flora and fauna. One has to keep in mind that protecting the species alone is not enough, because if their habitat continues to degrade they would still be in danger of extinction. In other words protection of the endangered species is not enough since if their habitat is degrading, they will not thrive. Therefore inevitably, valleys must be protected and conserved in order to safeguard the valley as a habitat and subsequently to safeguard the species. The four case studies were chosen in order to outline different ways by which valleys arc abused. This was done in order to tackle future similarities which may arise. Heavy quarrying destroyed all of Wied il-Ghasel, infact one of its tributaries, Wied Filep, does not exist any more. Wied Qirda is living up to its name, since debris, dumping and roads obstruct most of the watercourse. Wied l-Imsida was engulfed by development and roads. Infact showrooms of all kinds line up the valley along the road. One can say that Wied l-Imsida is completely destroyed. The major problem in Wied il-Kbir is road construction, while dumping also poses a problem. After identifying the problem one can tackle it in order to find a solution to repair the damage or minimize its impact by stopping further destruction. One must also rehabilitate the present state of the valleys, by using them in an environmentally friendly manner, namely for walks, picnics, outings, cycling, horse riding and bird watching. To implement these one must study the present use and state of the valleys, and then see whether such activities are of benefit to them. The primary reason for conserving valleys must be to protect them as water catchment areas and for their ecological importance and to safeguard the species living in this rich habitat. Although in the last few years this problem was tackled and policies were formulated, strict laws and heavy penalties for law breakers were put into action, implementation is almost inexistent. Therefore, implementation of the above must be given a top priority if we want to see our natural, cultural and historical environment flourishing with beauty.