Sustainable land rehabilitation of a woodland area in Malta

Abstract

This research focuses on an abandoned urban woodland situated in Żabbar, Malta. The planned rehabilitation works for this site are estimated to be completed by 2017. The area has been used for littering and fly-tipping for a long time as well as illegal hunting and drug use. To support this research rehabilitation projects abroad were reviewed to understand how these developments (especially urban parks) were handled. The research’s aim was to explore the current status of the project and the perceptions of a number of key stakeholders to the development and use of this site. This was achieved by circulating questionnaires to local residents, interviewing project managers, and stakeholders, and by observing the area and recording data. The questionnaire respondents mentioned natural aspects in their responses more than was expected. The interviewees gave a good idea of the planning of the project, even though they did not always agree on ideas and plans, such as irrigation methods. The interviewees all seemed concerned about the availability of funding and permits. The permit issue, however, was resolved prior to finalising this research. The fieldwork observations were undertaken while the project was being initiated (clean-up and perimeter fence building), however, workings inside the woodland were only observed once. A notable observation was that the fencing that was constructed was considered an eyesore by some questionnaire respondents and not effective in keeping out trespassers whom might litter or vandalize the area; such activities were continuously observed. The questionnaires, interviews, and observations revealed that what the project managers have designed and planned for the area is very similar to what the residents want to see, including good environmental practices and investments. This is a positive outcome and suggests that the project’s rehabilitation should meet the needs of the local community and other locality users.