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Environmental Chronology: British Period in Malta (1800–1964)

Background: Why the British Came to Malta

Key Environmental Themes (1800–1964)

Case Study Highlights

Summary of Environmental Impacts (1800–1964)

Legacy of British Period (Still Visible Today)

Kalkara military cemetery

Kalkara military cemetery




Background: Why the British Came to Malta

  • The British took control of Malta in 1800 after expelling the French.
  • Malta's strategic location in the central Mediterranean was crucial for the British Empire—especially as a naval base linking Europe, the Middle East, and India.
  • Became a British Crown Colony in 1813.



Key Environmental Themes (1800–1964)


Urbanization & Infrastructure Development

Expansion of urban areas:

  • Valletta, Floriana, the Three Cities, and later Sliema, Gżira, and Hamrun expanded rapidly.
  • Urban growth came at the expense of agricultural land and garigue habitats.

Major projects:

  • Dockyard expansion: The Royal Navy established extensive dockyards in Cottonera and Marsa.
  • Fortifications: Existing Knights-era fortifications were expanded or adapted for modern warfare.
  • Water and sewerage systems: Initial improvements in sanitation; water infrastructure expanded, but remained under pressure from rising populations.

Environmental impact:

  • Quarrying increased for construction materials (globigerina limestone).
  • Displacement of natural vegetation, especially on the coasts and valleys.
  • Emergence of urban pollution, including coal smoke and waste.

Maritime and Military Activity

Grand Harbour became one of the busiest naval ports in the British Empire.

Naval and shipping impacts:

  • Oil spills, coal dust, and waste from ships contaminated marine ecosystems.
  • Harbour dredging and land reclamation altered the natural coastline and sea beds.

Coastal military construction:

  • Fort Ricasoli, Fort St. Elmo, Fort Rinella modernized or expanded.
  • Construction of new barracks and naval installations (e.g., Fort Pembroke).

Agricultural Landscape and Rural Decline

Traditional agriculture (wheat, barley, figs, olives, vines):

  • Still widespread, but increasingly marginalized by urban expansion and emigration.
  • Irrigation methods remained traditional—no large-scale modernization.

Challenges:

  • Land fragmentation due to inheritance laws (qabda) made farming inefficient.
  • Soil erosion and deforestation continued, especially in sloping rural areas.
  • Introduction of some non-native species (e.g., eucalyptus trees, prickly pear) for shade, soil stabilization, or fencing.

British efforts:

  • Modest investment in rural development.
  • Some experimental plantations and forestry trials, but few long-term successes.

Transport Infrastructure & Environmental Impact

Early infrastructure (1800–1900):

  • Roads improved for military logistics—especially connections between harbours and inland forts.
  • Early railway line (1883–1931): Valletta to Mdina (later closed due to rise in buses and cars).

Later developments (1900–1960):

  • Road expansion and bus system introduced, increasing accessibility but also road dust and erosion.
  • Vehicle use increased significantly post-WWII, contributing to air and noise pollution, especially in urban areas.

Industry and Environmental Stress

  • Malta’s industrial base grew slowly under the British, mostly around ship repair, textiles, and military supply.
  • Power generation relied on coal-burning stations, contributing to air pollution, especially around Marsa and Valletta.
  • No environmental regulation: solid waste and sewage were often dumped untreated into valleys or the sea.

Wildlife and Biodiversity Impacts

  • Overhunting: The British brought with them a sporting culture—hunting (especially bird shooting) became popular, leading to declines in native and migratory bird populations.
  • Loss of biodiversity: Urban spread, quarrying, and military installations reduced habitat for native species.
  • Introduction of alien species: Some plant and animal species were introduced for ornamentals or practical use (e.g., tamarisk, eucalyptus, rabbits).

Public Health and Sanitation Reforms

  • British rule brought slow but steady improvements in public health:
    • Cholera outbreaks in the 19th century led to better sanitation planning.
    • Ta' Kandja and Chadwick Lakes built in the early 20th century to improve water storage and flood control.
    • Drainage Master Plan (1867): One of the first planned sewerage systems, though not fully realized for decades.




Case Study Highlights


Chadwick Lakes (Wied il-Qlejgħa)

  • Built in the 1890s under British engineer Osbert Chadwick to retain water and reduce soil erosion.
  • Important example of early eco-engineering.

Marsa Industrial Zone

  • Originally marshland, later converted into an industrial and power-generating area—causing permanent loss of wetland habitat.




Summary of Environmental Impacts (1800–1964)

CategoryImpact
Urban expansionHigh – loss of rural land and biodiversity
Maritime activityHigh – water pollution, coastal alteration
AgricultureModerate – continued, but under strain from land fragmentation and erosion
Biodiversity lossModerate to high – hunting, habitat loss, invasive species
InfrastructureSignificant – roads, forts, waterworks, railway
Environmental lawsNone – environment not legally protected


Legacy of British Period (Still Visible Today)

  • Urban footprint of dockyards, roads, and fortifications.
  • Place names and building styles from British colonial architecture.
  • Public infrastructure like roads, drainage channels, and reservoirs still in use.
  • Ongoing issues from this era:
    • Land degradation
    • Marine pollution legacy
    • Post-colonial sprawl into rural lands

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