A buffer zone that had been neglected for many years next to Simar Nature Reserve has now been transformed into a new natural space for the public. The 3,200-square-metre site, which has always formed part of the reserve but was often affected by illegal dumping despite repeated clean-ups and waste collection efforts by BirdLife Malta, now offers restored habitats and safe access for visitors.
BirdLife Malta’s Head of Land Management, Mark Gauci, said this is a clear example of the organisation’s mission to work for the benefit of both nature and people. “BirdLife Malta’s aim is for this site to be open daily from morning until evening. As with our nature reserves, entry will always be free. It is a place where people can come, spend some time, and relax in nature. As you can see, this is a nature reserve, not a garden – a different environment where nature takes priority.”
Architect Benjamin Vassallo, Head of Project Design at Project Green, said that in collaboration with BirdLife Malta, all Natura 2000 regulations and the area’s ecosystem were respected. “We must recognise that this is not a park but part of a nature reserve, where one can observe a variety of plant life which, in this context, is not considered ‘weeds’ as some may think, but instead helps to support and restore the ecosystem of this nature reserve.”
In 2022, BirdLife Malta applied for funding under Project Green’s Community Greening Grant Scheme. The European Union financed 75% of the project’s costs, while the Maltese Government covered the remainder.
The restored buffer zone was inaugurated in the presence of Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, alongside Project Green, representatives from St Paul’s Bay Local Council, and BirdLife Malta.
From illegal dumping site to restored habitat
Project Green, in collaboration with BirdLife Malta, redesigned the area to respect its ecological value while improving safety and accessibility. New walking paths were created, picnic benches installed, and information panels set up. Native trees were planted, habitats restored, a sustainable irrigation system implemented, and a brackish-water pond created to reflect Simar’s ecosystem. No lighting was installed in order to respect natural rhythms, as many species depend on darkness at night, helping protect sensitive wildlife.
Safety measures include CCTV systems, boundary walls, gates, and fire prevention features to reduce the risk of illegal dumping. Accessibility has been improved so that everyone can enjoy the space, including more than 700 residents living within a ten-minute walk.
Balancing people and biodiversity
Minister Miriam Dalli said the project shows how neglected areas can be transformed into spaces of environmental and social value. “Through collaboration between Project Green and BirdLife Malta, an area located right next to Simar Nature Reserve, which had been neglected and had unfortunately become a site for illegal dumping, has now been transformed, restored, and opened as a space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed that European funds are supporting investments that strengthen the natural environment and increase accessible open spaces. “With investment from European funds, this open space project at Simar, in Xemxija, has been completed. It forms part of a series of projects being carried out through European funding in partnership with Project Green to create more open spaces in our country. This site will be enjoyed by many people and offers a way to stay connected with nature, while also being managed and cared for by BirdLife.”
BirdLife Malta manages Simar Nature Reserve, an internationally recognised site under the Ramsar Convention. This project further strengthens the reserve’s value as a protected site within the Natura 2000 network. With the buffer zone restored, the public can now enjoy a new natural space while learning about the area’s ecological importance.
Read the article in Maltese here.