Ramblers' association calls for foreshore definition

One of the hurdles hindering ramblers from enjoying their past time is the lack of a definition of the foreshore, Lino Bugeja, president of the Ramblers' Association of Malta, said yesterday.

"A positive definition of the foreshore is crucial to the aspirations of ramblers," he said.

Once the definition of the foreshore remains undefined and has no legal backing, there is the danger that ramblers will not be able to trek along the magnificent cliffs of these islands, Mr Bugeja added.

The ramblers' association is also lobbying the government and its ministers so that open land containing historic and archaeological remains open to the public.

Visitors to these shores going along country walks designed by the Malta Tourism Authority are coming up against all sorts of no entry signs and makeshift barriers stopping them in their treks.

During a meeting the association had with Environment Minister George Pullicino last week, the minister shared the association's concern about the lack of a definition of the foreshore, Mr Bugeja said.

After the meeting, attended also by Alex Vella, association secretary, Mr Bugeja said: "The definition of the foreshore is a legal matter whose implications are extremely far reaching. The association asserts that the foreshore should include not only the seashore but also, most definitely, the coastal cliffs.

"The cliffs together with the coast ought to be declared public property compatible with legislation in other European countries.

"The association is appealing to all members of Parliament to assist it in its campaign to preserve the natural environment," Mr Bugeja said.

The association, which now has 500 members, is committed to the preservation and promotion of the wilderness aspect of rambling.

That is why the association says it is perturbed at the planned development at Ta' Cenc, from the hotel in Sannat down to the picturesque inlet at Mgarr ix-Xini.

The association is planning a symbolic demonstration on July 14, taking its cue from Bastille Day.

Together with other non-government organisations, the association will be demonstrating for the right of the Maltese to access the countryside and against the excess of certain speculators. "We believe that as in all civilised countries, some form of compromise will be reached reconciling the interests of private owners with those of ramblers," Mr Bugeja said. The association's website is: ramblersmalta.jointcomms.com. E-mail: ram205@gmail.com.