White Rocks site is an opportunity for proper ecological restoration - ADPD
'White Rocks should become a living ecosystem, not a manicured showcase'
The White Rocks site represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Malta to invest in large-scale ecological restoration rather than a repetition of the mistakes of the past, the ADPD political party said on Wednesday.
"It is worrying that some stakeholders appear to favour a formal, highly designed space dominated by hard landscaping and cementification. Such an approach would undermine the very purpose of creating a park at White Rocks and would squander the site’s enormous potential to restore biodiversity, strengthen ecological resilience, and provide genuine nature-based benefits to present and future generations," the party said.
"A park of this scale must not be reduced to paved paths, ornamental planting, and infrastructure-heavy design. What Malta urgently needs is proper ecological restoration."
The party called for a comprehensive restoration plan led by ecological restoration experts, including ecologists, environmental scientists, and specialists with proven experience in ecological restoration.
The authorities also needed to immediately invest in local plant nurseries, including those of NGOs, to grow trees, shrubs, and flora sourced from local genetic stock, ensuring resilience, adaptability, and the preservation of Malta’s unique biodiversity.
The party warned against the large-scale importation of flora. "While there is scope for importation of certain types of flora for their reintroduction into the local environment, wholesale importation without any planning undermines local ecosystems and ignores the importance of genetic suitability to Malta’s climate and conditions. Ecological restoration is not a quick fix; it requires time, planning, and patience. For this reason, investment must begin immediately, even if visible results will take years to mature," it insisted.
"White Rocks should become a living ecosystem, not a manicured showcase. If done right, it can stand alongside Buskett as a vital green lung for Malta, a refuge for biodiversity, and a powerful symbol of a national shift towards environmental responsibility."