AIS was awarded a Tender by Heritage Malta, the national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage, to carry out a study on "Limits of Acceptable Change and Visitor Surveys" on the heritage sites of Tarxien Temples and St. Paul's Catacombs.

This study focuses on an investigation of the Tarxien Temples and St. Paul's Catacombs in a multidisciplinary way to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the interventions required for the enhancement of these heritage sites without impinging on their historical fabric and value.  Visitors' surveys identify whether visitors' expectations and needs are met.  They are also a target to anticipate future needs and expectations in order to be in an advantaged position to fulfil forthcoming requirements.  The survey will partly inform the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) study.

The LAC will merge archaeological and cultural heritage perceptions, marketing dynamics, health and safety considerations, and tourism related evaluations to inform the stakeholders how to enhance the potential of these sites.  This will provide specifications of the acceptable and achievable resource and social conditions and an analysis of the relationship between existing conditions and those judged acceptable.  The study will also identify management actions necessary to achieve those conditions, and a programme of monitoring and evaluation of management effectiveness.

Ais Environmental Ltd. were commissioned by Heritage Malta to determine the best location for the proposed Visitors’ Centre.  The studies and work involved in the process also determined what needs to be done in terms of preservation, accessibility to the site and its interpretation.

The objectives of the study include:

-    Determine the archaeological sensitivity of areas where the construction of the visitor    centre is proposed;

-    Record and report on the archaeological characteristics of these areas which will help in confirming, or otherwise, the choice of the location and actual design of the proposed visitor centre.

-    Monitor the works and ensure that no archaeological remains or information are disturbed and/or lost during the execution phase of constructing the visitor centre, pathway, ‘exit’ building and construction of walkways within the Temple/s.

Ais Environmental Ltd. has been commissioned by the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA) to undertake a Cultural Heritage Assessment (CHA) in relation to the construction of 17 farms and a manure clamp at Tal-Qanpiena, Siggiewi.

The objective of the CHA entails pointing out any cultural heritage considerations which include the incidence of archaeology, the presence of significant historical structures and rural features.