Safeguarding our watercourses and their habitats
It is our duty as Maltese citizens to preserve our own environment and its habitats. Due
to its geographical position, shape and weather Malta has a lot of Valleys, which are
spread all around the islands. The large number of valleys found in Malta is mainly due
to the sedimentary nature of these islands. Since these sedimentary rocks are soft they
can easily wear off by heavy rainfalls forming water canals and water courses. Water
courses are an important element in a valley. They should be preserved for a number of
factors mainly the rich biodiversity they harbor. Due to the shelter provided by their
sides and their water supply, river valleys are one of the richest habitats in the islands.
Wied il-Għasel
These valleys are a fertile ground for a variety of flora and fauna which are native of
these islands. However, due to a multitude of reasons these habitats are becoming
extinct. If appropriate and timely actions are not taken to control them these native
habitats are being endangered. Throughout the years valleys went through a lot of
environmental threats.
Over-development is the major threat, claiming a significant number of valleys in our
islands. As a result many of the water courses are being destroyed. Watercourses
provide habitat and food to various animals.
Furthermore these watercourses are
homes for a variety of insects and plants. Some of these are only found in these types
of habitats and some are only found in few localities in the Maltese Islands. Along these
watercourses grow a variety of trees which some are very rare. But through
conservation programmes and legislative measures the watercourses and their
environment are being safeguarded. Preserving valleys and their habitats is one of the
main concerns which are being tackled. Through a concerted effort from Nature Trust
(Malta), other non-Governmental Organizations and the Government these valleys and
their habitats are being safeguarded. Habitat protection can be done in a variety of
ways. Habitat protection is the key in protecting our rare, threatened, and endangered
species.
A typical example is Wied il-Musa. It has suffered from constructional structures that
severely damaged its habitat. To protect further damage a conservational project
started to protect endangered species and other habitats. It is a valley system located in
Mellieha on the way to Cirkewwa.
Wied Musa
Among the many plants that grow at Wied il-Musa, the Long–brackted Sedge is among
the species that was in danger of extinction. This plant grows along the valley bottom
where pools of water accumulate during the wet season. This is the natural environment
where the Longbrakted Sedge grows. But unfortunately its habitat has gone through a
lot of changes compromising its existence. Part of the watercourse which supplies
water to the valley was blocked by the construction of dams across the valley floor. It
used to support a saline marshland at the mouth of the valley. This was partially
destroyed when a temporary road was constructed on it.
endangered species the road was closed.
Eventually to protect this
Longbrakted Sedge
Legislation plays an important part in the protection of endangered species. In an effort
to protect the remaining habitats and the endangered species within this locality, The
Malta Environment and Planning authority (MEPA) listed Wied Musa as a Level 1 Site
of Scientific Protection. This means that Wied il-Musa and its habitats were given the
highest protection possible
Another action taken was that the Long–Brackted Sedge was transported from its only
known locality at Wied il-Musa to the Marsaxlokk Saline Marshland where it regenerated
on its own. Unfortunately, similar to Wied il-Musa, the Marsaxlokk Saline Marshland was
being used as a dumping site for rubble excavated from the Power Station site. But
thanks to Nature Trust (Malta) the Marsaxlokk Saline Marshland was declared as a
Nature Reserve in 1983. This site was converted to its natural status and consists of
systems of canals and a ditch around a higher part of land.
Marsaxlokk Saline Marshland
Agriculture can too be of a threat to watercourses. The type of fertilizers farmers use in
their farmland can have a negative impact on the watercourses themsleves further
damaging the habitats they possess. This is due to the nurients and substances these
fertilizers have resulting in seepage of these nutients to the watercourses. It is being
recommended that farmers use man-made manure as fertilizers. Thus appropriate use
of farmed land can drastically avoid certain species from extinction.
Maintenance and appropriate cleaning of watercourses and valley beds are helping in
the recovery of valleys.
Noting the uniqueness and importance of watercourses, including the rarity of a number
of species inhabiting them, their protection is of great significance. This needs to start
from each and every one of us. One needs to appreciate that these form part of Malta`s
natural heritage.