In the Media - Press Release

27th April, 2010

Removal of excess pebbles at Ramla

Reference is made to the recent media publicity regarding an excess of pebbles found at Ramla Bay in Gozo, and the incovenience it may pose to bathers in the summer.

The Gaia Foundation, which has managed the beach in line with management plans since 2000, has noted over the years that owing to weather conditions in the winter and early spring, shifting of the sands often leads to exposure of many stones and pebbles situated beneath the sand. Furthemore the rough seas would bring more of these ashore. While this has always been a natural process, an excessive buildup of stones would constitute an inconvenience to the public in the swimming season. This was addressed last year when the stones were gathered up in piles to clear large areas for bathers.

An on site meeting was held between Gaia officials and officials of Mepa, the Authority that regulates activities permitted in such delicate Natura 2000 sites, in order to determine the best way forward to meet the public’s needs while at the same time respect the ecological integrity of the site. In accordance with its guidelines, the excess amount of stones will be removed. No work will however be carried out on the sand dunes, which are highly protected, and give the site its unique feature of international importance, with many rare plants growing nowhere else on the Maltese Islands.These works will be supervised by the GAIA Foundation.

While the beach is to be largely cleared of excess stones for the swimming season for the convenience and enjoyment of bathers, the public is reminded that the sand dunes situated just inland from the beach are deemed to be of great ecological importance, and should be respected as part of our unique national and natural heritage.

In 2009 The Gaia Foundation provided park rangers on an average of 130 hours per week, in order to guide the public and upgrade the services to the beach. As a result of this and of public cooperation, the pre dune formation above the beach has been well maintained and preserved. The Foundation looks forward to the coming season when bathers can enjoy the charms of Ramla Bay in comfort, while nature’s unique habitats are at the same time maintained and preserved.

Rudolf Ragonesi
Executive Director
The Gaia Foundation