Base de données des projets PDR

Use of EAFRD support for the encouragement of tourism activities to co-finance the upgrading of a local tourist attraction in rural Malta. The project also offered opportunities for environmental research and education, and created additional jobs.

Mr. Kevin Mallia developed BirdPark Malta from his keen interest in and knowledge of birds and how to look after them. Over the last 10 years he has developed a collection of 6 000 birds from 500 different species. Mr. Mallia also wanted to share the natural beauty of this rural park, situated in one of the few marshland areas on the island, with the public. The Park will also exhibit several species and act as an education centre.

Mr. Mallia is keen to use his collection, knowledge and park land to inform and educate the Maltese public, especially children, on the value of the natural world; the beauty of biodiversity, and; the importance of conservation. BirdPark Malta will provide facilities for research including a clinic, bird-watching facilities and a library. The park will also develop economic opportunties by generating an income from the land and creating jobs.

The project has focused on two distinct but related interventions - physical infrastructure and marketing. Physical infrastructure developed on the site includes the administration block, cafeteria, visitor's centre, cold rooms, observation centre, nature reserve and utilities block. To market the Park the project will design and develope a website to inform the public about activities available and the bird species there.

The project created full-time employment for three staff, and there are also two MCAST students studying for a higher national diploma in animal management who are employed on a part-time basis. The project benefits directly from the surrounding rural environment and will make use of this, including the unique location, as the underlying theme when promoting its activities.

The use of IT tools for the promotion of the park, namely its website, is a key factor for increasing its visibility and attracting visitors. The project also targets school children who will encourage further adult visits to the park.

Burmarrad, Malta

Malta

Malta

710 037

316 981

105 660

287 395

Kevin Mallia

info@birdparkmalta.com

+356 215 84257

English