Malta taking measures to protect natural arch Azure Window

A campaign aimed at stopping people from walking on top of the Azure Window will be launched by Malta authorities.

According to local media report on Wednesday, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) planned a series of actions to raise people's awareness of protecting this natural heritage, in collaboration with the Gozo Tourism Association, Nature Trust Malta, and the Dwejra Committee.

"Visitors to the site feel compelled to walk across the natural bridge, perhaps to take a look from the other side or to get an 'I Was There' souvenir photo," the MTA said in a statement.

"The corrosion caused by one person walking over the rocks of the Azure Window is infinitely small. But this simple action, multiplied by hundreds of thousands of times in a year, and millions of times over a longer period, might leave a mark on the fragile surface," the MTA said.

In addition to install a webcam to monitor the area, the authorities planned to improve the signage on the site, add information on its website and on other social media, and distribute information flyers on the Gozo Channel, ferries, coaches, and rental cars.

Travel trade operators will also be asked to discourage visitors from walking across the slowly crumbling arch. They hope these actions will limit damage caused by human activity to this natural landmark.

The Azure Window is one of the most iconic vistas of the Maltese Islands, this natural arch is perhaps the most recognisable view of the Maltese Archipelago.

It's location right at the edge of the Dwejra cliffs leaves it totally exposed to the elements, especially the rough sea which beats upon it incessantly, particularly in winter. Geologists and the MTA believe that it is only a matter of time before the entire rock formation collapses. Endit