05th March 2004

Environmental organizations condemn sabotage at Bahrija Valley

Over the previous years environmental organizations and farmers have raised their concerns over the rapid land speculation that has been occurring since large tracts of land in Bahrija have been sold at bargain prices.

Yet these pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears and yet again, the already scheduled valley and the surrounding areas are under increased pressure from the new owners and developers.

To add insult to injury, part of the valley was set alight for the second time in a few years. During the first fire it was evident that the ground was also treated with chemicals to impede growth of the protective reed bed. This time round these doubts were proven right, as the containers of these chemicals did not burn completely in the blaze. It is now also evident that obliterating of the reeds and plants is not the only priority. Huge amounts of Malathion, a deadly insecticide that is feared to be carcinogenic (cancer causing), were in all likelihood deliberately thrown into the spring to destroy its very rich fauna.

Friends of the Earth (Malta), Nature Trust, GAIA Foundation and BICREF thus urge the authorities to protect Bahrija from further destruction. Protecting ecologically significant sites on paper by means of laws and map delineations is only the first step in safeguarding our rapidly degrading environment. The above-mentioned environmental NGOs thus insist that the various enforcement units from the different governmental institutions be strengthened to increase patrols, inspections, resources, and personnel, so as to incorporate the duties of wardens as established abroad.

Furthermore, together with regular monitoring of Bahrija, and other prospective Natura 2000 sites, a proper environmental management strategy should be promptly implemented, to avoid further destruction in these sensitive areas.