Malta-Arch's event in Xaghra tomorrow has a lot more urgency and compellingness than the one of last November, which was more esoteric. And that urgency is a reflection of recent developments: the setting of one of Malta’s major neolithic temples, Ggantija, is under assault due to systematic failure or complicity of the authorities who are duty-bound, in Maltese and international law, to protect the temple’s setting.
The temple's setting – formally designated as a buffer zone – is not just complementary to Gagntija Neolithic Temples. The setting is recognized, celebrated, and designated by UNESCO – the United Nations Environment, Social and Cultural Organisation – as an integral part of the how the temples are experienced.
Twice has UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee passed resolutions aimed at the protection of Ggantija’s buffer zone.
And the response of the Maltese authorities? Aside from the fact that there was no direct response to the resolutions, the wider response has been to consider each development in isolation, and to ignore the insidious impact of the developments on the setting. This is not to mention the way the authorities have been giving short shrift to the obligations arising from the World Heritage Convention.
I shall be reporting extensively about this in the next few weeks.
The event tomorrow shall draw some attention to what has been happening, and the list of speakers tomorrow include candidates that are standing with three political parties. The entire lineup of speakers can be found on Facebook – click here for more information.
The location is at the viewpoint near Xaghra’s cemetery.
Below I am publishing a few pictures of the event last November – that was a different kind of event, more esoteric, and the pictures – if anything – show the attractiveness of the cliffside location where Santa Verna neolithic temple is situated. The temple is a short distance along a cliff path with scenic views from the venue of the event tomorrow – and the crowd will move to the temple tomorrow after the main speakers' slots.
Click on any of the pictures below to enlarge.
