Xemxija : saving some past for the future

Abstract

Xemxija is a suburb of St. Paul's Bay which in the last forty years has grown from a tranquil fishing hamlet into an intensely developed tourist resort. As its name suggests ("ix-xemx" means "the sun") the main resources of the settlement were seen as sun and sea and these were exploited by the construction of hotels, holiday accommodations, commercial outlets and marinas which now occupy virtually the entire seafront. This dissertation focuses upon the environmental impacts of this rapid development. of Xemxija as a residential area and the growth population are also highlighted. This study analyses the importance of the tourist industry in this summer resort and the need to manage the sand, sea and shingle beaches to achieve sustainability in this recreational area. Other potential resources, however, not only have been neglected but are in danger of being destroyed by continued development. "Beehives" dating from the period of the Knights of St. John, ancient cart ruts, part of a Roman road and most critically, remains of Neolithic tombs are all found on the slopes currently on the periphery of development. While the growth of tourism has brought economic benefits to Xemxija, policies which incorporate historic preservation and environmental conservation are more appropriate for future development.