Shifting Sands project recognised at Malta’s Sustainable Development Action Awards 2026
BirdLife Malta won the Environment Award at Malta’s Sustainable Development Action Awards 2026, held on 10 November, for its project Shifting Sands – Restoring Malta’s Dunes. The award recognises the organisation’s efforts to restore one of the Maltese Islands’ rarest and most fragile coastal habitats.
The project focuses on an 800m² strip of land between the eastern perimeter of Għadira Nature Reserve and the adjacent road. Over the years, the area became severely degraded by invasive alien species, including giant reed and African boxthorn, which outcompeted native vegetation and altered the sandy substrate essential for dune plants.
The first phase involved the careful removal of these invasive species. The cleared area will be replanted with native dune plants, including sea daffodil and sharp rush, which are adapted to shifting sands, salt spray and extreme summer drought. An old perimeter fence has also been replaced.
Restoring this habitat will help improve local biodiversity and protect specialised wildlife, including the rare Giant Sand Cricket (Brachytrupes megacephalus), which depends on sandy coastal habitats.
Public engagement is another key element of the project. Information panels and digital outreach will help visitors understand dune ecology, the threats facing these habitats and why their restoration matters.
Mark Gauci, Head of Land Management at BirdLife Malta, said: “For those of us working in nature conservation, the greatest reward is seeing nature respond to our efforts. Seeing rare plants flourish, wildlife return, and degraded habitats come back to life reminds us why we do what we do. These small victories are already a prize in themselves, but receiving recognition through an award like this gives us that extra encouragement to keep going, take on new challenges and continue protecting Malta’s natural heritage.”
BirdLife Malta congratulates its Land Management team for their dedication and hard work and thanks everyone who voted for the project and supported the campaign. This award highlights the importance of protecting and restoring Malta’s remaining natural habitats.
Shifting Sands – Restoring Malta’s Dunes is supported through the LEADER Programme under the CAP Strategic Plans 2023–2027.