Ecological Restoration Project Inaugurated At Għammar Hill, Gozo

An ecological restoration project at Għammar Hill, near the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary in Gozo, has been inaugurated during the first 100 days of the new legislature.

The project, which has a total investment of €1 million and is co-financed through European funds, was launched by Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri and Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti.

Minister Clint Camilleri said the project delivers on a commitment made within the first 100 days of the new legislature. He explained that, in agreement with the Curia administration, the Ministry had taken on a project involving Church-owned land that had fallen into a dilapidated state over the years and has now been transformed into a new open green space.

He said the restoration covered around 8,500 square metres, or about 7.5 tumoli, and was intended to create a suitable habitat for local biodiversity.

Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti said the value of European funds should not only be measured by how much Malta and Gozo manage to secure, but also by how effectively they are used to meet the country’s needs and create long-term value.

He said the project was a clear example of how European financing can help protect the landscape, safeguard the environment and preserve an important part of Malta’s and Gozo’s rural identity for future generations.

Anthony Bezzina, the Curia’s Administrative Secretary, said the collaboration between the Government and the Church is helping to build a more sustainable Gozo, while also supporting religious tourism, creating quality open spaces and protecting natural resources.

The works included rebuilding around 1,700 cubic metres of rubble walls, regenerating the soil, planting around 1,000 endemic trees and later around 3,000 endemic shrubs, as well as installing an irrigation system.

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