Why are World
Heritage Sites Important?
The UNESCO World Heritage List contains sites that are
important to all peoples of the world no matter which
country they are
located in. The places on this list have special universal
values above and beyond the values they hold for a particular
nation. Malta's Megalithic Temples join other sites on
this list which includes the Great Wall of China, the
Pyramids of
Egypt, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. |
Visit the official site of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre |
Malta has three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage
List. These are the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples
and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. Heritage Malta is entrusted
with the management and preservation of the Megalithic
Temples and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.
The Megalithic Temples, Ggantija, Hagar
Qim, Mnajdra, Skorba,
Ta' Hagrat and Tarxien
Temples were inscribed on the List
as a group between 1980 and 1992. They represent a unique
architectural
tradition that flourished on the Maltese Islands between
3600 and 2500BC.
The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is a rock-cut underground complex
that was used for burial purposes by the temple builders.
It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980.
The Management Plans for the Megalithic Temples and the
Hypogeum
What?
This plan will guide the care and management of the sites
for the coming 5 years. Different interests such as archaeology,
nature use and conservation, farming and local concerns will
be taken into consideration and balanced.
Why?
A management plan is essential for the long-term sustainable
use of the site. Developing a vision for these sites will:
- make sure they are preserved for the benefit of future
generations
- make trips to these sites more enjoyable for visitors
- ensure that the local communities benefit from well-managed sites
Who?
A successful management plan requires input from site managers,
local communities, heritage organisations, government, scientific
experts and other interested parties and stakeholders. Heritage
Malta is co-ordinating all this input and would like to hear
from you!
The following draft texts, which will form part of the Management
Plans for the Megalithic Temples and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum,
have been prepared:
Megalithic Temples General Description
Megalithic Temples Statement of Significance
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum General Description
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum Statement of Significance
Please send comments, opinions or queries regarding these
documents to worldheritagesites@heritagemalta.org
The Consultation Process
What?
The developers of the management ask you, the public, for
your input (thoughts, comments, opinions) regarding shape,
goals, policies, activities, etc of the plan.
Why?
Consultation can help management create a plan which takes
into account your local needs and values. This helps to forge
meaningful communication links between the site management
and the community.
How?
You can attend scheduled public meetings, communicate with
your Local Council or submit questions and comments to site
management staff.
You can start today by filling in our feedback
form and
posting it at:
World Heritage Sites,
National Museum of Archaeology,
Republic Street,
Valletta VLT 04.
You may also hand it in at any Heritage Malta site.
Who?
People who are interested in the creation of the management
plan and its effects on their communities. This includes
local residents, businesses, non-governmental organisations
and others.
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