Bridging natural and cultural values of sites with outstanding scenery: evidence from Gozo, Maltese Islands

The paper focuses on a site of outstanding scenery located along the NW coast of the Island of Gozo (Malta), which was included in the Malta's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 1998 on the basis of the four criteria related to natural properties. The aim of the study is to bridge scientific and cultural values of the Dwejra area by examining in particular its geological and geomorphological features, which have been fundamental in shaping such a spectacular scenery and determining its historical and cultural importance. The coast of the Maltese Islands, with a series of occupiers over the last ten millennia, has led to the development of a high density of coastal uses. Such uses superimpose on both a diverse range of aesthetic natural qualities and also different cultural properties that have changed over time. Sinkholes were a source of shelter on rectilinear coasts and are now areas that attract visitors due to their outstanding natural beauty. Low sloping limestone coast provided an ideal geological setting for salt panning production, whereas today these are main areas for recreational activities. Along the years, the investigated area has however suffered the pressure of diverse human activities, often leading to conflicting interests and resultant landscape damage. As a result, geo-conservation aspects of this site have often been at the centre of national debates. In the light of these issues, this work aims at providing a better understanding of the geological and geomorphological value of the Dwejra area, in order to strengthen the basis for the setting up of sustainable geo-conservation plan, which includes geotourism issues.