Eleventh International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

The Mġarr ix-Xini valley on the central Mediterranean island of Gozo (near Malta) boasts of incomparable natural and cultural assets. In fact, it is endowed with unique geological formations, flora and fauna, and eco-systems. The valley has also undergone an interesting formation process which has ultimately contributed to its present shape and unique characteristics. But for the last two millennia, the valley was also an arena for human activity concentrated on cultivation and processing of agricultural products, irrigation systems, pastoralism, and stone extraction. Towards the end of the ninteenth century and during the first half of the twentieth century, the valley witnessed also industrial water extraction. All this anthropogenic activity rendered the valley landscape a very dynamic one. Recent archaeological excavations and surveys commissioned by the neighbouring Sannat and Xewkija Local Councils and conducted in the valley by the University of Malta and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage not only confirmed but even further enriched the knowledge about the rich natural and cultural assets with which the valley is endowed. As a result of this fieldwork, also supplemented by studies of comparable Mediterranean sites, the natural dynamics of the valley but, more especially, the valley’s economic role in respect of the attached community/ies over the centuries became more apparent. For this reason, the above-mentioned Local Councils saw it fitting to embark on a joint project aimed to turn the valley into a regional park where nature and culture complement each other for the benefit of humankind. This will be the concept behind a new visitors’ centre incorporating a museum bringing out the important natural and cultural aspects of the valley at the service of human society informed by the rich data gathered through the archaeological excavations and surveys (which are also due to be published)and aided by similar data gathered from comparable Mediterranean sites. Likewise informed by the said data, other least intrusive facilities will be also set up along established walkways to supplement and complement the visitors’ centre and its museum in the same role.