Management plan for Lunzjata valley requested

Nature Trust (Malta) has welcomed the authorities' quick response to the dumping of oil at Lunzjata valley in Gozo and called for a management plan for the scenic valley.

It urged the Water Services Corporation, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the police to continue with their investigations and apprehend the culprits.

NTM said this issue was of double concern as it affected the ground water and at the same time had a negative and serious effect on the endemic freshwater crab found in this valley.

Both the valley and the crab, it said, were protected. The NGO called on Mepa to issue a management plan for the site and to take concrete action to stop further damage.

Over the years, NTM reported traces of sewage overflows into the valley, noticed especially when taking tourists and members on nature walks

The incident, it said, was another serious blow to the local biodiversity.

The authorities should pull up their socks and start to take concrete actions as was their duty.