Photos

The wind of change makes our windmills move… yet is this change for better or for worse?

submitted
filed under Photos

The traditional windmill, once a common sight in Maltese fields, has all but disappeared from our nation’s agricultural inventory. Only a few remain to serenade our fields, replaced by electric pumps, fuelled by the hideously disruptive wires pictured. Their quiet grace seems to have blown out as the modernisation of the agricultural industry regards them as relics of the past. Apart from the pictured metal windmills introduced in the 1930s, there are also a few remaining stone windmills from the Knights’ period. Less than a dozen of these stone structures retain their sails, and most of them are degrading at an alarming rate. These windmills would have been used to crush grain, a practice which is now fully mechanized, with their structures either abandoned or used for various other purposes. To see the Maltese windmills vanish from our countryside would be a tragedy of the highest degree.



Read More

Our heritage… monument to the past or stagnating relic?

submitted
filed under Photos

Fort St. Angelo. The site has been host to a military site of some sort of another since Arab times (9th century AD), the current structure dating back to the rule of the Knights of St. John (16th century AD). It has survived the Ottoman Empire and two world wars, but it seems as though it won’t survive the neglect that has befallen it. September 2009 saw the site’s closure due to cracks in its structure which were deemed hazardous to the public. Restoration efforts are still underway, and the site remains closed to the public. This is not the only archaeological site in the Maltese Islands which is falling apart before our eyes. Fort St. Elmo made it onto the list of the world’s 100 most endangered sites in 2008, and it seems that restoration efforts are too little, too late. Will all of our architectural heritage be lost to vandalism, neglect and indifference?



Read More

Beaches – calm, natural areas, or overdeveloped swathes of concrete?

submitted
filed under Photos

Living on an island, beaches and the sea in general are an important facet of daily life, as well as an inextricable part of the Maltese culture. The summer ‘xalati’, or days by the sea, are a weekly pleasure for most of the Maltese, especially on those days following a village feast. The image on the left shows a relationship that seems to be degrading, however. The pictured parakiter enjoys the winds that carry him across the waves, framed by a backdrop of verdant green. This, however, is one of the only inlets in Malta that remain untouched. Haphazard development has taken over a great number of our beaches, with concrete promenades and kiosks reigning over the Maltese coast and busy roads ensuring that not a moment of peace can be enjoyed. Will we surrender our beaches, our culture, our very livelihood, to swathes of grey? If we do, it will not bode well for us, for even a humble weed finds its way through the strongest concrete.



Read More

Drive through the countryside?

submitted
filed under Photos

In this photo, the car was burnt near houses and fields. Stray cats which lived there could have been hurt during this incident. Before this act of vandalism, the cats had places where they could rest and now residents have to see what to do about this problem. This is an illegal way of dumping hazardous waste. Junkyards are provided to remove such waste but still people give a cold shoulder. More precisely toxic waste, if not disposed properly, can intoxicate the surrounding habitat which include plants and nearby puddles home to frogs. More over it will reach groundwater, and poison the water supply. Even worse this waste does not self decay which means it will stay visible for many years until it’s disposed properly, like it should have been in the first place!



Read More

Is this how you would like to enjoy nature?

submitted
filed under Photos

Is it worth destroying other creature’s habitat, just for the sake of having a seaside view? Instead of appreciating the natural environment of Xemxija Bay by building Nature Reserves and other things to help raise awareness about the beauty of the bay, we are building apartments which are not only polluting the surrounding environment and killing many habitats, but are also creating an eyesore. If we carry out these projects, then we may preserve many of the creatures’ natural habitats. By conserving many of the natural resources, we can make the bay look more attractive and many tourists along with local people may enjoy taking a stroll on the beach. As you are reading this, think of how much better off our life would be if urbanisation was reduced! We would have a longer lifespan and our health will drastically improve. Think before you build!



Read More

Will Fort Ricasoli be doomed forever?

submitted
filed under Photos

An opportunity to save Fort Ricasoli was lost when it was not included in Smart City’s master plan. Therefore we hope that when restoration works start the authorities will still be on time. Ricasoli is a fort on the island of Malta, built by the knights of Malta between 1670 and 1693. We went to the fort and interviewed some tourists and they remarked that it should be restored immediately. We should not let our historic fortifications and forts fall down as thanks to them that Malta is famous. A day will come when it will be too late to restore and recover what we have inherited. A man at Ricasoli told us that some form of specially designed artificial reef could have been built using the limestone excavated to make way for smart city to protect the Fort from sea storms. We must act now before it’s too late.



Read More

Naughty Buoys floating in our local marinas

submitted
filed under Photos

What a pity to have such a beautiful Birgu marina and then distorted by lots of plastic cans floating along the sea surface of the harbour. The Birgu Marina is so picturesque and rich in architecture that it can’t hold floating plastic cans instead of normal standard buoys. The typically Maltese boats called “Luzzu” are really catchy and their various beautiful colours and styles fit so well within the Birgu marina and harbour. However, this is not the case when referring to the various floating plastic naughty buoys. We need education in this regard so that our boat owners will start opting for proper standard sea buoys which respect and fit in well with our local marinas, ports and harbours. Local government and Local Councils should work hand in hand to create more awareness in this regard.



Read More

Stop dumping waste!

submitted
filed under Photos

I went around Zabbar and I found an area called “Sqaq Burzett” which was full of rubbish. I think that we should stop dumping waste. First of all it’s illegal and the second thing is that waste brings many illnesses. As you can see in this image a lot of waste has been thrown in a field. Materials dumped include plastic bags, pipes and a lot of other things. Although there is a sign that says “Don’t Litter Here” many people still throw waste. In my opinion a better environment is created when we can live in an environment free from waste. With a clean environment we could prevent illnesses. I hope that we will change our attitude so that our environment is kept in a better state!



Read More

Our natural coastline at risk!

submitted
filed under Photos

The Maltese coastline is an attraction for tourists and locals, but we have to take care of it because its natural aspects can be easily lost. This photo of Mellieha bay that I took recently shows that the buildings are very close to the sea. The sea water in this part is not so frequented by people because of the garages, which are causing an eye-sore. When buildings are being built sea water gets dirty and so does not remain inviting for swimming because of the dust blowing onto the surface. The natural environment is almost non existent in this part of Mellieha. Ghadira or Mellieha bay is a focal point for both tourists and locals. It is a pity that on this side of the bay we have lost our natural environment. I hope that in the future the last natural remnants of coastline are safeguarded from further development.



Read More

I am saving you

submitted
filed under Photos

Cars have become widely used but are we aware of their negative contribution to the environment? Do people think of these effects before starting their private car? Amongst other things cars produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas is a greenhouse gas which means that it contributes to the greenhouse effect. Recently greener cars are being manufactured and sold on the market. Amongst other things these manufacturers are trying to decrease the amounts of carbon dioxide produced but are these cars affordable for the public? On the other hand trees uses up the carbon dioxide produced by the cars in the photosynthesis reaction to produce oxygen. This is a vital reaction for these trees to survive and important for us due to the release of oxygen which is needed for us to respire. If the tree could talk it would say, “I’m saving you. Think twice before chopping me off!” But is there anything we could do? I think that first; every one of us needs to respect more the environment around us. If this could be achieved we will live in a healthier environment. The environment around us is vitally important so let us not destroy it ourselves.



Read More