PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND ENTERPRISE AND THE MINISTRY FOR GOZO Xewkija garden to become Gozo’s first carbon neutral open space

Regeneration project will include a wind tree and kinetic flooring

Ġnien il-Kunsill in Xewkija will become Gozo's first carbon neutral garden through a project by Project Green and the Xewkija Local Council. The garden will include a wind tree, kinetic flooring, and other innovative renewable energy technologies.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, Xewkija Mayor Hubert Saliba and Project Green CEO Steve Ellul, announced details of the project during a visit to this garden, which will be transformed into an eco-garden powered by renewable energy generated within the same site.

The plans submitted to the Planning Authority propose the regeneration of this 744-square-metre garden into a self-sufficient green open space, with new reservoirs and advanced irrigation systems that reduce water waste, new trees and shrubs, and solar-powered light poles. Project Green and the Local Council will also introduce other renewable energy systems, including a wind tree, which generates electricity through small wind turbines, and kinetic flooring, an innovative technology with surfaces that convert visitors' kinetic energy into electricity as they walk, work out or run over them.

The garden's play equipment will be replaced with kinetic jumping pods and spring riders that generate lights and sounds as children play with them. New climbing structures, slides and tunnels that blend in with the garden's environment, and a balancing trail made of recycling plastic are also included in the garden's new design.

The garden will also have USB charging stations and benches for persons who visit this open space to work or study. Project Green is also proposing circular benches around some of the garden's existing trees. Pathways will not be covered in concrete or other impermeable surface but will instead be formed out of mesh and gravel, to increase rainwater absorption.

Minister Miriam Dalli explained that the opening of Malta's first carbon neutral garden in Kalkara last year was very positively received, and the Environment Ministry and its entities are working to create more of these sustainable open spaces.

"We are collaborating with different stakeholders, including local councils, to revive existing gardens, while creating new ones. The principal aim of our seven-year plan is to ensure that wherever you live, study or work in Malta and Gozo, you can find a green open space a short walk away. At the same time, we want our open spaces to be more sustainable through rainwater harvesting infrastructure, indigenous trees and shrubs, recyclable materials, and renewable energy technologies," stated Minister Dalli.

Minister Clint Camilleri stated that he looks forward to seeing the first eco garden in Gozo. "We promised to offer more green open spaces even in Gozo, and are doing this not only through this project but through several others, such as the Learning Garden that we have just opened in Għajnsielem and the Victoria Park project, which is currently undergoing a public consultation process, and which will consist of an underground car park and an open space with a park on 20 acres of land in the heart of Victoria. We are committed to continue working to reach the Government's goal of adding more public recreational spaces to improve the quality of people's life," stated Minister Camilleri.

Xewkija Mayor Hubert Saliba and Project Green CEO Steve Ellul explained that the two entities are making the necessary preparations to complete this project by the end of 2024. The Mayor explained that the application for the required development permits has already been submitted and the public call for the required materials and services will be issued later this year. Project Green CEO said that the works contract will also include a 10-year maintenance plan, in line with the Agency's commitment to longer-lasting, properly-maintained green open spaces that can continue to be enjoyed by the community for many years.