Heritage Malta and the Gaia Foundation recently signed an official agreement for the implementation of an agro-environment and landscaping plan at the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra Gozo.

Ggantija which now combines cultural and agricultural heritage will be used as a base for a wider agro-environment project which involves the promotion of an industry for olives, almonds, pomegranate and the use of existing carob trees in the island of Gozo. An annual festival will take place at Ggantija in autumn.

The project will enhance the Gozitan agricultural landscape, and make the island a more attractive tourist destination as well as address climate change and carbon emissions through the planting of more trees. It will also help to counter the problem of a sector under pressure from economic and climatic factors as well as the challenge to a growing number of part time farmers who cannot maintain the old rhythm and system of year-round production.

The almond is one of the most resilient and drought-resistant fruit trees found on the Maltese Islands. Pomegranates, too, are one of the least demanding fruit trees. No irrigation or pest control is needed except for annual pruning. Once established these groves would be a good source of income for farmers, whilst simultaneously creating a multiplier effect in the local economy for the operators of olive presses, almond grinders, packers and exporters.

The demand for olive oil worldwide is on the increase, and is greater than supply, unlike the wine industry, where there is stiff competition and an abundant stream of grapes and wine worldwide. With the exception of Spain, Europe looks towards California for the bulk of its source of almonds owing to insufficient production in the Mediterranean. Malta could step in and start exporting almonds to the North. Marzipan, made from almonds is sold at a premium throughout Europe.

The Gaia Foundation is a non-profit making NGO set up in 1994 to safeguard the local environment, and to serve as a prototype for a sustainable society. Gaia has already embarked on a project of landscaping around the temples and nearby soft areas managed by Heritage Malta, and is working on information boards for visitors about Mediterranean and indigenous trees, shrubs and plants that form part of the local rural landscape. Gaia will also apply for organic certification for the existing olive grove and will subsequently launch a Gozitan organic olive oil.