Sep 12 - New Documentary On Europa Point Foreshore Clean Up Released On YouTube
The clean up of invasive plants from the Europa Point Foreshore has been documented in a brand new documentary available to watch on YouTube.
In the documentary called Europa Foreshore Habitat Restoration – A View Behind The Scenes, GONHS volunteer Bart Van Thienen is seen tackling overgrown invasive plants in the area, which compete with the local species such as Gibraltar Sea Lavender.
The documentary also features a number of local environmental experts including Steven Warr, Dr Keith Bensusan, Minister for the Environment Dr John Cortes, Leslie Linares, Alan Brownbridge, Shadow Environment Minister Trevor Hammond and Dr Clive Finlayson.
Speaking to YGTV, Mr Van Thienen said: “The filming was started by a friend of mine who was impressed by the changes happening on Europa Point Foreshore. The initial idea was to film a short interview but at the end there was so much to tell (see the video) that it turned out to become a whole documentary.”
When asked what it was that inspired him to clear up the area, Mr Van Thienen said: “I started reading scientific literature written by local GONHS experts about the problem of invasive plants in Gibraltar five years ago and a call for volunteers on the GONHS Facebook Group motivated me to start removing them four years ago.”
With the help of local transport company Monteverde & Sons, 60 tonnes of material were used to recover 250 square metres of the area, breaking down rocks and filling the gaps with gritty soil found in the area.
Mr Van Thienen says that the area must be monitored to ensure invasive plants don’t grow in the area again, adding: “I estimate that at least two more years will be needed to complete this volunteering work, at the moment 75% of the area is cleared and restored to its original wild beauty.
“I hope that the video will show people how big the problem of invasive plants is in Gibraltar (and elsewhere) and that something can be done to try to solve the problem.”
To watch the video, click on the link below:
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