Established by the EU Commission, Natura 2000 is the largest coordinated network of its kind in the world. Its mission is to monitor and safeguard Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
Natura 2000 sites throughout the EU cover 20 percent of the total land territory and 10 percent of its marine territory as it stretches throughout the 27 Member Countries. Aiming to ensure the long-term survival of species and habitats, the sites are listed under the Birds Directive or the Habitats Directive.
Contrary to some information, many of the sites are not restricted, though some may be privately owned. Tread carefully, follow signposts and always remember to leave things as you found them so as not to cause damage to the environment or detrimental changes or harm.
Here’s how to visit a few in Malta.
Malta’s Natura 2000
Currently, 37 designated terrestrial Natura 2000 sites in the Maltese Islands cover 184 species and 30 habitats and are monitored and regulated by the Environmental and Resources Authority.
These sites include gardens, salt pans, cliffs, caves, inland seas, bays and beaches. The 37 land sites cover 45 square kilometres, roughly 15.5 percent of the Maltese Islands’ land area.
There are also five marine sites. These, however, only cover 1.63 percent of the vast territorial waters surrounding the islands.
For those visiting during the summer months, there are several sites to visit. While these are natural habitats to be enjoyed, please understand there are no monuments to visit. But being in an area that has remained untouched for hundreds of years (and hopefully remains so for many more years to follow) should provide an internal thrill.
We must cling to and work to protect these natural areas and habitats as common humanity. They have been a part of our lives for thousands of years, and care, thought, and protection, can endure thousands more.
For peace, tranquillity and environmental wonder, here are some Natura 2000 sites I recommend you see next time you’re in Malta.
Recommended Sites to Visit
Il-Ballut tal-Wardija
Ballut is the Maltese word for the Holm Oak, so il-Ballut tal-Wardija means the Holm Oak Wood of Wardija. It’s home to some of Malta’s oldest living oak trees (between 500 and 900 years old).
Il-Maqluba
This name Il Maqluba (turned upside down) is the name given to a sinkhole found near the village of Qrendi, also close to two well-known Neolithic temples called Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim
A viewing platform lets onlookers peer into the sinkhole, which is approximately 15 metres deep and covers an area of about 6,000 square metres. Because of its inaccessibility, several interesting species of plants and animals thrive there, including ones endemic to the Maltese Islands.
Is-Salini
An estuary where seawater meets and mixes with rainwater on the northeast coast of Malta between Naxxar and St. Paul’s Bay. It’s one of the Maltese Islands’ largest and last remaining salt marshes in the Maltese Islands. Learn about the species that live there.
Ghar Dalam
The deepest parts of this prehistoric cave are home to an endemic isopod known as Armadilidium ghardalamensis , a small and rare terrestrial crustacean found only here.
Ghadira
This area has many different habitats: from dunes and piles to a small salt marsh and brackish wetlands. Visit the Ghadira Nature Preserve, a seven-hectare reserve comprising of brackish lake and saltmarsh habitat.
Filfla
This mostly barren, uninhabited islet sits 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) south of Malta, and is the most southerly point of the Maltese Archipelago. Many bird species use Filfla as a breeding site.
The wall lizard and door snail are also endemic to the isle, and birders will love to know that the island is home to one of the largest known colonies in the world of the European Storm Petrel.
Buskett and Girgenti
This beloved woodland covers an area of 2.25 square kilometres and is home to three valley systems: Wied l-Isqof, Wied il-Luq, and Wied il-Girgenti, which support a variety of important species of plants, insects, woodlice and spiders as well as various other threatened species such as the crescent orchid. These woodlands are also an important gathering place for migratory birds of prey.
For visitors, there are trails through the area, all signposted in green. Please stay on marked paths as some surrounding fields are privately owned.
St Paul’s Islands (Selmunett)
Near the north-east coast of Malta, this small piece of land is sometimes split into two by a shallow isthmus, with sea on either side, which is why it is referred to as St Paul’s Islands ( plural). In 1844, a prominent statue of Saint Paul was erected on the island.
These islands were declared Nature Reserves in 1993, but before that, they were temporarily used for agricultural purposes.
Coastal Cliffs of Malta
Covering practically all of Malta’s west coast, impressive cliffs rising above the sea house several endangered and endemic species of flora, Mediterranean temporary ponds, valleys and associated riparian communities, Mediterranean salt steppes, beaches, dunes, caves and reefs. Two species of seabirds – Cory’s Shearwater and Yelkouan Shearwater – are known to have made these cliffs their home.
With an impressive 150-metre height, Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs are the tallest cliffs in Gozo. The area surrounding the promontory is a Natura 2000 site, full of protected biodiversity.
L-Ghar tal-Iburdan and surrounding areas
This lesser-known cave in Rabat is home to protected bat species, namely the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and the Lesser Mouse-eared Bat.
Plan your visit to Malta’s Natura 2000 sites via this interactive map
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BeSeeingYou In: Malta
Good To Know: Natura 2000 sites are ll free to visit and view, but please respect posted signs and boundaries.
WOW! Factor: Wonderful natural habitats that have been around for thousands of years
Tip: Relax and enjoy these areas – and please safeguard them!
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Author bio: Albert Fenech
salina46af@gmail.com
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Lead photo by Marika Caruana – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
