water

Press Conference

FRONT AGAINST THE GOLF COURSE AT TAL-VIRT�

4th September, 2004, 9.30am
YTC Valletta

Comments by Annalise Falzon
(Conservation Committee, Nature Trust)
on the impact of the proposed Golf Course on

Water, Biodiversity & Natural Habitats and the Landscape

The Front is concerned with the negative and irreversible impact which the proposed golf course at Verdala could have on water resources, biodiversity and natural habitats on site and in nearby areas as well as on the intrinsic value of the typical landscape of the area. The Front reiterates its position against this proposal as it goes against principles of sustainable development which are especially relevant to our country given its particular situation of being over-populated, poor in water resources and land (especially agricultural land).

� The Impact on Water Resources: Every Drop Counts

Locally the problem of a lack of freshwater resources has resulted in a worrying unsustainable situation especially when one realizes the following:

1. Malta is classified as a semi-arid country.
2. The Water Table has been exploited to the point that this action may be irreversible. Turning to Reverse Osmosis is not the optimal solution as it is a very energy hungry process which also depends on good seawater quality.
3. Concerns of Climate Change are especially notable for the Mediterranean as such alterations may be resulting in longer dry seasons and desertification coupled with an ever increasing water demand.
4. Malta has one of the highest densities of population in the whole world. Competition for water resources will continue to increase. This is already the case due to large influxes of tourists in the dry season.

We therefore feel that it is not acceptable to extract water (a minimum of 78,000m3) to be used for irrigation of turf as there are other more pressing needs. Our concern lies also in the fact that if the Trefoil Bermuda Grass is used instead of the planned Seashore Paspalum, the former will necessitate double the amount of water.
The application of artificial pesticides and fertilizers seems necessary to maintain the turf grass green all year round. These could pollute groundwater and waterways and could have serious repercussions on human health and organisms making use of that water. This concern is also reflected in the submission to MEPA by the Malta Resources Authority.

� The Impact on Biodiversity and Natural Habitats

The development of a golf course involves a major impact on present ecosystems and natural processes which cannot adapt to such a sudden change.
The site consists of some sensitive zones of ecological value (which should be scheduled accordingly) as well as rural and agricultural holdings that have been worked for years with some organisms managing to adapt well to this land use. The area holds several species of plants, mammals, reptiles and an amphibian which are protected by law. The local fauna includes some species which are further protected and listed in Schedule II of L.N. 257 of 2003 (Species of animals and plants of particular conservation interest which call for the declaration of Special Areas of Conservation).

The development of a golf course is not acceptable for the following reasons:

1. The presence of protected species in the area.
2. A golf course creates an extensive area of monoculture which is likened to a biological desert.
3. The propose turf grass species are alien to our country and region and can create problems if they spread to other areas. Both the Seashore Paspalum (imported from USA) as well as the Triploid Bermuda Grass, are considered as ecologically aggressive invasive plants which can create environmental and genetic imbalances. The EIS submitted by the developer confirms that the possible impact of the former is seen as a major and irreversible one.
4. The artificial pesticides and fertilizers used to maintain the turf (which must be kept green all year round) can affect the local and surrounding biodiversity. It appears that this aspect has been neglected in the study. Pesticides can be transported by wind or via waterways or can remain in the soil and leach into the water table.
5. The study should have adopted a multi-seasonal approach to obtain a more complete picture of the site�s ecology.

� The Impact on the Landscape

The traditional landscape created by man and nature over time is a priceless heritage. The terraced fields, rubble walls and the changing colours and hues of each season contribute to a unique landscape which forms part of our heritage.
The golf course is not acceptable as it seeks to change the characteristics of this land and replace them with an artificial, formal and mostly monotonous environment. Our landscape does not retain its greenery throughout the year and this says a lot about our climate where no excesses are allowed and no water is wasted by nature. Often the six months drought experienced by our islands proves to be a harsh climate for plants and animals which have, however, adapted extremely well only thanks to a rigorous budgeting of water use.

Sustainable Development respecting the Maltese Environment

The Front agrees with principles of sustainable development (Malta is currently drawing up its National Strategy on this) � a �development� which embraces a long-term vision and the conservation of natural, landscape and agricultural resources. We propose that sustainable tourism is finally taken seriously within the tourism and economic sectors. Eco and agri-tourism aim to protect the source of income and can go hand in hand with other initiatives for the area such as organic farming, cultural/archaeological tours and country walks. The number of tourists who could be potentially attracted would certainly exceed the number of international golfers who can be expected to prefer other Mediterranean localities offering a broad range of golf courses (over 300). The main challenge ahead should be the development of a quality product which emphasizes the Maltese characteristics and heritage � a unique product which only Malta can offer � we should respect and be proud of our country and dispel attempts to go for short�term instant profit-making ventures which ignore the often irreversible long-term negative impacts.