EcoGozo

Ecology

One of the main pillars of the EcoGozo directorate is ecological conservation and safeguarding sensitive biodiversity in Gozo, especially in Natura 2000 (N2K) sites. Gozo has eleven N2K sites, including Comino, many of which are in very good preservation, for example, Ramla l-Ħamra (the best conserved sand dune in the Maltese Islands), Tal-Magun garigue, and Dwejra coastal cliffs.

The last is adorned with narrow endemic plants and shrubs, a few only occurring in Gozo such as the Maltese everlasting (Fig. 1), hence conservation is of utmost importance. The ecoGozo Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning is venturing into a number of green tasks to ameliorate the natural status of these sites, such as:

  • Introduction of native trees and shrubs to reinforce declining populations in situ
  • Distribution and population studies of some Article 17 (protected) species namely Hyoseris frutescens (Fig. 2) and Linaria pseudolaxiflora (Fig. 3).
  • Cordoning/fencing certain zones in N2K sites from trampling
  • Control or restrict access to vehicles to reduce off-roading
  • Control or rats and other pests
  • Instalment of bins
  • Removal of invasive alien species (Fig. 4)
  • Mapping of alien plant species of EU Concern
  • Educational activities and signage to raise awareness about the biodiversity of Gozo
Maltese everlasting - Helichrysum melitense

Figure 1. Maltese everlasting – Helichrysum melitense

Maltese Hyoseris - Hyoseris frutescens

Figure 2. Maltese Hyoseris – Hyoseris frutescens

Maltese Toadflax - Linaria pseudolaxiflora

Figure 3. Maltese Toadflax – Linaria pseudolaxiflora

Removal of invasive species from Gozo

Figure 4. Removal of invasive species from Gozo