Malta has taken a further step towards conserving one of its greatest natural attractions: the sea.
The country has unveiled the Ċirkewwa Marine Park Management Plan for its first marine park, an initiative that will enable it to move beyond its designation as a protected area towards active management, with specific measures to preserve its seabed and biodiversity.
The Plan addresses one of the major challenges facing nature-based tourism: how to reconcile the conservation of ecosystems with their responsible enjoyment. Among its key measures are the protection of underwater habitats of particular importance, such as Posidonia seagrass beds; the scientific monitoring of marine biodiversity; the demarcation of zones for different activities; and the promotion of codes of conduct for visitors. It also explores new mooring systems and potential no-anchoring zones to reduce pressure on the most sensitive seabeds.
The initiative further aims to enhance diver safety and emergency preparedness, as well as to promote educational initiatives and new awareness-raising tools, including the possibility of offering live underwater footage and virtual reality experiences to bring the islands’ marine heritage closer to visitors and local communities.
Through this initiative, Malta is reinforcing its commitment to a model that integrates conservation, research, education, responsible leisure and sustainable tourism, whilst consolidating the protection of an environment that is key to its diving and marine tourism offerings. Its waters, recognised as among the finest in the Mediterranean for this activity, attract visitors all year round due to the richness of their ecosystems and their unique underwater heritage.
Source: NEWLINK SPAIN