Riforestazione come strumento per la protezione del suolo in aree soggette ad erosione : linee guida per un piano di ripristino della vegetazione delle Isole Maltesi : temi generali e caso di studio = Reafforestation as a tool for soil protection in erosion prone areas : guidelines for a reafforestation plan for the Maltese Islands : general issues and case studies

Abstract

This research is an effort to analyse and provide a solution to the specific problem of the Maltese islands, which concerns the protection of the environment by means of restoring the vegetation. Problems regarding a developing country inevitably lead to a rapid and artificial degradation of its territory. The presence of marginal areas and unstable grounds for cultivation with reduced agronomical potential, creates the need to utilise managerial models which guarantee the protection of the environment. The object of this research is to provide a detailed plan of intervention to recreate the vegetation of a specifically chosen area (‘It-taflija’). This has been achieved by taking into account the problems linked to the typical ecological conditions of the Mediterranean area in order to preserve and protect the grounds. It has been therefore possible to carry out a project which adopts systems of naturalistic forestry considered most suitable for the proposed aims. The criteria used for the species chosen are based upon the experience and observation of environments with similar ecological conditions. An effort has also been made to carry out objectives required by Malta's natural environment. • restoration of greenery • creation of a habitat with elevated biodiversity • creation of a place which favours both public use and for the purpose of scientific divulgation, by means of pre-established routes and the construction of visitor centres • requalification of a territory whose environmental value is seen as an area of naturalistic merit reinforced by its uniqueness on the island. The success of such a project should stimulate the creation of similar projects, both in Malta and in Gozo, in the hope of recreating a greener environment, as was present in the past.