Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529892
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 27 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS New green space inaugurated at the Hal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex HERITAGE Malta, in collabora- tion with The Alfred Mizzi Foun- dation, has inaugurated a new gar- den at the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex. This initiative enhances the UNESCO World Heritage Site by combining cultural and natural heritage. A field at the back of the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex has been transformed into a garden accessible by the public visiting this site, which besides cultural heritage will now offer a brighter natural environment. Nine hun- dred trees and plants have been accurately selected – they are in- digenous to the Maltese country- side, including some which, after scientific studies, have been con- firmed as having grown in Malta during Neolithic times. This project was made possible through the generous sponsorship of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, which this year is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. The spon- sorship also included an earlier in- itiative at the site, the Ġnien Dinja Waħda garden. Heritage Malta complemented the sponsorship by constructing a new boundary wall along the back of the pre- historic complex that ensures the preservation of the site and pro- vides a better environment for the neighbourhood as well as a peace- ful space for visitors. The Tarxien Prehistoric Com- plex holds a vital place in Malta's late Neolithic and early Bronze Age history. Discovered in 1913, the site comprises intricately dec- orated megalithic temples, includ- ing the South Temple, known for its bas-relief sculptures of spirals and animals. Kenneth Gambin, Chief Oper- ations Officer at Heritage Malta, commented: "This garden pro- vides a beautiful complement to the site's prehistoric significance, creating an enriched visitor expe- rience that bridges heritage and nature." Anthony Scicluna, Deputy Chairman of Heritage Malta, em- phasized: "This project is a clear demonstration of what collabo- ration can achieve. Together with The Alfred Mizzi Foundation we have enhanced one of Malta's most important heritage sites." Julian Sammut, Chairman of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, remarked: "We are very pleased to continue supporting Heritage Malta's efforts in safeguarding our cultural and natural heritage. This fits perfectly with the foundation's mission to protect our heritage and embellish our environment. This garden will render a visit to these magnificent temples even more enjoyable and makes them more attractive to children and families." This new garden underscores the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Com- plex's role as a landmark of Mal- tese heritage, offering visitors a space to reflect on the island's rich history while enjoying its natural beauty. ERA has announced it will be hosting Nhar in-Naħla, a family event at the Sant'Antnin Fam- ily Park in Marsaskala on 1 December 2024, from 10am to 3pm The event is dedicated to celebrating Malta's national insect, the Maltese Honeybee. Bees are essential to pollination, supporting biodiversity and food production. Nhar in-Naħla aims to educate the public on the designation of the Maltese Honeybee as a National Species whilst also highlighting the importance of pollinators and sustainable practices which can be implemented in one's daily life to safeguard them, such as planting pollinator-friendly plants, avoiding pesticides, and creating safe spaces like bee hotels. Those in attendance can expect an exciting day packed with fun activities for the whole family. Activities will include kids' crafts and games, interactive learning through workshops about bees' roles in pollination, displays on how to create bee-friendly environments, as well as various entertainment through bee-themed animations, live music, and costumed enter- tainers to keep spirits high. Throughout the event sustainability will be given due priority. Those attending are en- couraged to bring their own reusable cups to minimise waste, and free drinking water will be provided courtesy of the Water Services Corporation's water buggy. Nhar in-Nahla: Celebrating the Maltese honeybee