Aug 20 - GONHS Offers Advice on North Gorge Redevelopment
GONHS notes, with interest, the recent Government notice of a tender for the redevelopment of North Gorge into an 'Eco Residential Scheme'.
The North Gorge is a unique site in Gibraltar, in terms of its geology and ecology. The cave/fissure systems below the site are distinct from the karstic systems elsewhere on the Rock. They tell a very different geological story to other caves in Gibraltar and should be conserved on this basis alone. In addition, the gorge habitat harbours the only known populations of a few plant species in Gibraltar, and these in turn support populations of insects that are restricted to the area. Not least, this is because the gorge habitat is itself unique on the Rock.
GONHS would welcome any move that enhances the appreciation of the site's geological and ecological interest and would oppose development that leads to further deterioration of the gorge. Specifically, GONHS has identified what it considers to be a number of red lines with regard to any proposal for the development of the site, namely:
1) An extensive geotechnical survey should be carried out before development is considered. Should any development take place, firm evidence should be provided beforehand that the works would not compromise the underlying cave/fissure systems.
2) The cliff habitat within and around the gorge should remain intact, without any stabilisation, descaling or removal of vegetation that may result in the deterioration of the present habitat. Likewise, all rocky outcrops with vegetation within the gorge should be conserved.
3) Should any development occur, the special plants at the site should be protected from the effects of the development throughout the entire process. Furthermore, a complete botanical survey should be carried out in order to catalogue and identify all species and habitat formations within the gorge.
4) There are historical records of bat roosts at North Gorge and a comprehensive survey should be carried out to ascertain whether these are still present. Should any be detected, they should be protected, including flight paths to and from roosts. Furthermore, the design of lighting within the proposed development should take the bats into account.
5) Access should continue to be granted to the public, so that people can appreciate this site's locally unique natural features. Access should also be facilitated for any bona fide researchers wishing to study the cave/fissure systems.
GONHS regrets that the restoration of this habitat back to its natural state has never been consideredand is concerned that natural features may be damaged irreparably during a construction process. It will follow the issue closely and hopes that, if the site is to be developed as an 'Eco' residential scheme, the above points will be respected and form part of the tender award process. It further urges the Government to abandon plans to develop the site if investigations raise concern about the integrity of the geological features that lie below and around the site.
