Recreational coastal development and public access : case study, Qawra coast

Abstract

The coastal zone is generally characterized as a place for recreational activities, which is generally associated with the presence of the sea and wide range of activities that could be practiced. Coastal recreation has grown in popularity in recent years and includes coastal walks, water sports and bathing amongst other popular activities enjoyed by the locals and foreign alike. However, these activities are subject to limitation of access, where fifty percent of the Maltese coastline is inaccessible. 75% of this inaccessibility is due to natural constrains while only 2 % of the coastline is sandy beaches. Furthermore, 35 % of the coast was developed in relation to tourism and recreation. This coastal development can be categorized into two, that which accommodates the local needs and another which evolved explicitly for the international market. This dissertation examines the case of the coastal stretch along Qawra Coast. The stretch of coast overlooking Salina Bay is intensively developed for tourism and entertainment while the rest of the coast up to the Qawra Tower is relatively free from structures and used for various recreational purposes. Thus, within this area one can perceive coastal development which purposely developed for the international market, a number of boathouses which accommodate the local need and the free to all part of the coast. Within this scenario, an analysis of public access along this coastal stretch was assessed, through observation, quantitative and qualitative analysis and field sessions from July 2001 to April 2002. Cartographic material and aerial photographs determined land-use changes along this stretch of coast. All the results obtained were presented and analyzed. This case study highlights that public coastal areas are decreasing, since various coastal stretches along the Maltese coastline were privately developed. Despite the fact the construction of these structures may be important for the tourist industry and do enhance access to the lido users, they generally restrict public access. Furthermore, the freely accessible part of the coast characterized by the natural karstic environment is described as uncomfortable, difficult and dangerous to use. Thus, the solutions for facilitating access may be tackled through coastal management which aims to establish an integrated and sustainable approach towards coastal use.