[Yanika Galea]

Zurrieq is home to several cultural and historical landmarks such as Blue Grotto, Wied Fulija, Xarolla Windmill, around 10 centuries-old churches/chapels and traditional feast. Encouraging tourism to these sites will throw a slow movement to cultural sustainability, inspires residents, tourists, and visitors from other town to appreciate the history and traditions also it will allow us to take things more slowly and fully embrace the environment. The history and natural attractiveness are all combined which give us view into the past and present by remaining lively.

Starting by Wied Fulija, as it was once used as a landfill site from 1979 up to 1996. The massive change that happened to this land is beyond belief. (Green Deal MT). Through the change and efforts for this land to be restored to a more natural state and being environmental positive around 43,000 trees and shrubs were planted. This helped also aesthetically and a better view of Malta that advanced its environmental changes. This encourage us to think that once this land was failed to be taken care of, it has become more greener, better air quality, tourist attraction and a habitat to the local wildlife. Also importantly not to mention the importance of managing waste segregation- even at our households.

However, on the other hand there is still room for more improvement. Questioning myself: What efforts do we have to make to be even more sustainable and mindful? Some of the ideas are having more green spaces. One may ask isn’t Zurrieq known for its natural beauty? True, but looking through the inside of the town, it lacks green spaces especially in the center of the town where one can stay and connect with nature and also for pedestrians instead of taking a trip to grocer with a car polluting the air, it can be done by walking since trees will benefit its own natural shade.

Zurrieq is growing year after year with numerous of block of apartments each year and a home of approximately 12,500 residents. In this case is car-free zones a good idea? It is possible with a good plan, lots of thinking and a dedicated community starting with limited access to some areas for example on weekends or a few hours through the day, this will give time to the locals to adjust. Providing more parking spaces at the outer skirts of car-free zone for residents can be helpful as well.

In conclusion, the impact that Wied Fulija left behind can be a perfect example that it is possible to have green spaces and car-free zones. Having an addition of green spaces will benefit locals to have a tranquil and sustainable life.

[Tutor]

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