Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1526368
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 SEPTEMBER 2024 OPINION From a biodiversity point of view Gozo has special sites of scientific importance… can you tell us about these? Gozo is a treasure trove of unique biodi- versity, boasting several sites of significant scientific importance. These areas, such as Dwejra Bay and the Fungus rock, Ta' Cenc cliffs, Ramla Bay, Sarraflu Pond, Wied il-Mielaħ and San Dimitri Point, are not just scientific marvels but also a testament to the island's natural beauty. While some sites are protected under Mal- tese law and European Union directives, such as the Natura 2000 network, the need for active conservation efforts is urgent. We must all play a part in safeguarding these different localities to preserve Gozo's rich biodiversity. Raising awareness of Gozo's biodiversity, such as the Maltese Fungus (Cynomorium coccineum) is also essential. Although not a true fungus, this parasitic plant was his- torically prized for its medicinal properties. The surrounding area around Dwejra is rich in biodiversity, featuring habitats such as seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica), which are crucial for maintaining marine ecosystems. Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs are an essential habitat for several bird species, particularly seabirds. The cliffs are a breeding site for species such as the Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan), and the Mediterranean Storm-petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus). Ram- la l-Ħamra is now regularly on the news for turtle hatchings. These sites on Gozo are not only valua- ble for their ecological importance but al- so offer unique opportunities for scientific research and ecotourism. For researchers, these sites provide a living laboratory to study unique ecosystems and rare species. For eco-tourists, they offer a chance to ap- preciate the island's natural heritage, pro- viding a sustainable source of income for local communities and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity con- servation. Gozo is home to some special birding breeding sites such as Ta Cenc. Why are they so special? The bird breeding sites on Gozo, particu- larly at Ta' Ċenċ, are not just special; they are vital. Their unique combination of spe- cies, their rarity in the region, and the criti- cal role these sites play in their life cycles are all reasons to protect them. The clifftop habitat at Ta' Ċenċ is unique and relatively undisturbed, providing an ideal environment for seabirds and other wildlife. The coastal cliffs are character- ized by their exposed limestone rock faces, sparse vegetation, and proximity to the sea, creating a specific environment crucial for these species' breeding success. Preserving this habitat on Gozo ensures that these bird species can continue to breed successfully in the region. Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan): Ta' Ċenċ is one of the most important breeding sites for the Yelkouan Shearwater, a species listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. The cliffs at Ta' Ċenċ provide the sheer, inaccessible rock faces these birds need to nest safely away from predators. The Mal- tese Islands, including Gozo, are home to a significant portion of the global population of this species. Mediterranean Storm-petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus): Another key species, the Medi- terranean Storm-petrel, also breeds on the Ta' Ċenċ cliffs. These birds are nocturnal and nest in crevices within the cliffs, making these sites crucial for their reproduction. Scopoli's Shearwater (Calonectris diome- dea): Although more commonly found in larger colonies on Malta, Gozo's cliffs also provide substantial breeding grounds for this species. These seabirds require specif- ic nesting conditions found in the island's coastal habitats. Ta' Ċenċ and other bird breeding sites on Gozo are unique because they provide crit- ical habitats for several rare and vulnerable seabird species, are protected under inter- national conservation frameworks, and contribute significantly to the island's bio- diversity and ecological health. These sites are invaluable not only for the birds they support but also for Gozo's overall environ- mental and cultural heritage. Furthermore Gozo (relatively) more in- tact rural environment means that there is greater space for a variety of farmland and open land based habitats that are beneficial for species such as Short-toed Lark (Bilbla), which is a breeding visitor, as well as for a whole range of migrant birds. Is illegal hunting still a problem in Gozo? Illegal hunting remains rampant in Gozo. For starters, the police unit dedicated to hunting and trapping illegalities has long been banned from enforcing the law in Gozo. This practice has been happening since previous administrations and has long been an object of contention between BirdLife Malta and the Government. It al- so shows the lack of independence of the Malta Police Force in relation to hunting and trapping, and in itself shows why the reporting sent by the Malta Police Force to the EU authorities on enforcement is just a smokescreen. The absence of police enforcement means that the only form of enforcement in Gozo depends on volunteers. This means that il- legal hunting goes unnoticed and unregu- lated most of the time with the tacit consent of the authorities. And what about the other environmental concerns in Gozo? Clearly the biggest concern for Gozo is how speculation is ruining Gozo, with the Planning Authority being a rubber stamp. Gozo had been spared from the rampant speculation that has ruined the Maltese landscape, but this is no longer the case. The constant push to build an airport is an- other issue. The impact of overdevelopment and speculation on Gozo's environment is sig- nificant. It leads to the loss of natural habitats, in- creased pollution, and disruption of local ecosystems, threatening the island's biodi- versity and ecological health. Another issue is trapping, both as an ille- gal practice and as a major habitat destroy- er - both in its traditional form where gar- rigue and other land surfaces are scraped clean from native plants, as well as in its reinvented and perverse form of excavat- ed pools, where you have soil displace- ment, habitat alteration, water misuse and wastage, and new hunting black spots for waterbirds. The combination of over-development illegal hunting and trapping, and land con- version has led to the destruction of habitats crucial for local wildlife. This includes the loss of important breeding sites for birds, the degradation of coastal habitats, and the disturbance of endemic plant species. Additionally, introducing non-native spe- cies, both plant and animal, has disrupted local ecosystems, often outcompeting or preying on native species, further threaten- ing Gozo's biodiversity. In next week's issue: The view of the hunting lobby Illegal hunting and trapping remain rampant in Gozo Darryl Grima is President of BirdLife Malta Darryl Grima In March 2024, the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) spearheaded efforts resulting in the discovery of 27 illegal trapping sites across Malta and Gozo. One illegal trapping site was uncovered near the Basilica of the National Shrine of Ta' Pinu in Gharb, Gozo (Photo: CABS)