Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537190
MALTA'S rich prehistoric legacy is un- der "unprecedented threat," according to environmental NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), as construction near the Santa Verna temple site in Xagħra continues amid growing con- cerns over inadequate heritage protec- tion. Earlier this week, FAA accused the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) of failing to safeguard archaeo- logical remains being uncovered outside scheduled zones. The NGO described the situation as a "grim failure of duty," claiming that development activity is damaging areas of high archaeological value without proper intervention. The Santa Verna temple, which dates back to around 5000 BCE, is one of Malta's oldest and most important pre- historic sites. Over more than a centu- ry of excavations, archaeologists have uncovered temple structures, human skeletons, ceramics, and rare limestone features. Despite this, FAA and local res- idents have raised alarms about heavy machinery operating just metres from the official buffer zone, disturbing unre- corded archaeological layers and scatter- ing artefacts, including human remains. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 4 JULY 2025 • ISSUE 052 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday €1.00 Variable interest rate of 2.80% * Low contribution Low collateral requirements *Business Lending Bank Base Rate presently at 2.15%, Interest Margin and EIF Guarantee Fee. The BOV SME Grow and the BOV SME Grow Green are funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund with the financial backing of the Republic of Malta under the InvestEU Member State Compartment for Malta. All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Żakkarija, il-Belt Valletta, VLT 1130. Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public limited company regulated by the MFSA and is licenced to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the laws of Malta). Grow green BOV SME Supporting Your Vision CONTACT US Gozo's prehistoric heritage under threat, NGO warns LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUES ON PAGE 3 SEE PAGE 5 Ramla Bay becomes one of the key sites for turtle nesting TWO loggerhead turtle nests have been discovered at Ramla Bay in Gozo, The nests are among four confirmed so far, with others found in Ġnejna and Għadira. The Environment and Resources Au- thority have cordoned off the sites and issued emergency conservation orders to protect the eggs, as loggerhead turtles are an endangered species. Disturbing a nest or eggs can result in fines of up to €2,400 per egg. Meanwhile, two turtles were released back into the sea at Golden Bay this week after being successfully rehabili- tated. So far this year, five turtles have been returned to the wild, with 15 still recovering at the Wildlife Rehab Cen- tre in Xrobb l-Għaġin. Photo: the Environment and Resources Authority Remains of Santa Verna temple