Geoheritage of the Mtaħleb coast : acknowledgement, potential and appreciation

Abstract

This dissertation examines the geoheritage of a selected site along the Mtaħleb Coast, a rural area in western Malta whose geological and geomorphological significance remains largely undocumented. Motivated by the limited national literature on Maltese geoheritage, the study focuses on three objectives: mapping and characterising the site’s physical geography to identify geoheritage features; proposing geotrails that communicate these features to the public; and analysing the profiles and perspectives of people who visit, use, or manage the Mtaħleb Coast. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining geomorphological mapping, field observations, secondary data sources, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. The study provides the first detailed account of the Mtaħleb Coast’s physical geography and identifies a range of geoheritage features of scientific, educational, cultural, and aesthetic value within the selected study site. The three proposed geotrails offer a practical means of enhancing public awareness and address the current lack of geoscientific interpretation in local guidebooks. Findings from questionnaires and interviews highlight the importance of stakeholder involvement in both geoheritage research and in shaping future planning and initiatives. Crucially, the study shows that progress toward geosite and/or geomorphosite designation depends on the prior establishment of adequate financial and human resources, together with sustained stakeholder engagement.