Malta Strengthens Fight Against Coastal Erosion Through Sandland Project

Malta's Public Works Department is strengthening efforts to tackle coastal erosion through Sandland, an international project promoting sustainable and innovative solutions to protect the country's coastline and beaches.

The initiative was highlighted during the Sandland Stakeholders' Meeting held in Malta, where experts and stakeholders discussed the project's progress and its role in addressing the growing impact of coastal erosion caused by waves, storms, wind, rainfall, and rising sea levels.

Minister for Local Government and Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli said the project forms part of the government's wider commitment to improving the resilience of Malta's coastline against climate change. She explained that Sandland supports scientific and sustainable coastal management while helping reduce risks to communities and infrastructure.

The minister added that the Public Works Department is contributing technical expertise and operational support to develop more effective methods of monitoring coastal areas and implementing environmentally responsible interventions.

Department official Daniel Fenech noted that traditional measures, such as breakwaters, have often provided only temporary protection and in some cases disrupted the natural movement of sand, contributing to further sediment loss.

Instead, Sandland promotes nature-based solutions, including assessing offshore sand deposits that could be safely used for beach nourishment—the controlled replenishment of beaches with sand to restore and preserve coastlines.

The project brings together the University of Catania, the University of Malta, the University of Messina, the University of Palermo, and several public authorities from Malta and Sicily to develop long-term strategies for protecting the region's coastal environment.

Photo: DOI Clifton Fenech

#MaltaDaily