Julie Tabone is a Senior Officer within the Protected Areas Team of the Ecosystems Management Unit. The Ecosystems Management Unit within the Environment Protection Directorate (EPD) of MEPA is responsible for nature protection and conservation, including the formulation and implementation of a national strategy aimed at the protection of biodiversity within the targets set by the European Union, as well as the designation and coordination of the management of protected areas nationwide, including Natura 2000 sites, forming part of the Natura 2000 network. David P. Cilia B. Ed. (Hons) (Melit.) is a Biology and Science educator at St Paul’s Missionary College, Rabat, Malta. His scientific research and publications deal with the biology, systematics and taxonomy of Mediterranean and South-East Asian terrestrial gastropods. Mario Farrugia was born in 1967. Went on to found Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna in 1987 as an independent voluntary organisation focussed on the preservation and management of Malta’s Cultural Heritage. He has experimented and pioneered a number of new ways of better interpreting heritage sites including the introduction of living history and the use of historical re-enactments. Has been instrumental in creating a wider awareness about the importance of Malta’s recent heritage particularly that from the British period. Established four museums at Fort Rinella, Kalkara, the Malta at War Museum, Vittoriosa, the Saluting Battery in Valletta and the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta. Studies and researches Maltese naval and military history. Has published in local and foreign sources. Appointed member of the British Commission for Military History on account of his contribution towards the better understanding and preservation of British military heritage in Malta.
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MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), in collaboration with the Ministry for Tourism is continuously involved in projects whose objective is to improve the tourism product. The Pembroke Garigue Heritage Project forms part of a wider set of ERDF-funded projects, the value of which exceeds 21 million euros. This project consist in the Development of a National Aquarium in Qawra, the upgrading of St. Paul’s Bay Promenade and the development of Pembroke Gardens. The project itself involved the accessibilty of this area by introducing a walking / cycling trail across a larger part of the Natura 2000 site that is about 2.5kms in length. Furthermore, MTA restored the military footbridge, shelter room and Madliena Tower. These trails were laid across existing patrol foothpaths formerly used in the British Military. MTA’s main aim is to ensure sustainable tourism by highlighting the rich biodiversity and heritage that this Natura 2000 site can offer. In collaboration with several stakeholders including several NGO’s, MTA is also actively working towards the management of this site.