Environmental NGOs call for protection of Malta’s public areas

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Environmental NGOs call for protection of Malta's public areasEnvironmental NGOs, Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar Friends of the Earth, Malta and the Ramblers’ Association of Malta are calling on the public to sign a petition “to protect Malta’s remaining public areas.”

The launch of the petition, which is addressed to the Prime Minister says, “We call on your commitment to defend the Constitution and the Law of the Land.” It goes on to say:

“There are many competing uses impinging on the coast mainly resulting from illegal tourism development which has rendered parts of the coast inaccessible. Coastal resources are deteriorating from visual intrusions and pollution threats. Malta needs to protect its coastal zone and its countryside from unsightly developments. The marine environment in popular diving areas is fragile and must be protected.”

“The Maltese Constitution pledges “the State shall safeguard the landscape.” MEPA’s mission includes: “Within the designated natural coastal areas…no urban development will be permitted”.

“In spite of all this, uncontrolled development is taking over as hotel beach concessions, illegal boathouses, kiosks, bars and restaurants encroach beaches, public coastal zones and promenades. Our popular beaches are becoming privatised with little space left for the public. Restaurants occupy promenades, roads and even uproot public trees to place their tables and chairs. Fish farms already pollute our bays. Land reclamation projects threaten our marine ecology and scuba diving tourism,” the NGOs said.

The NGOs maintain that “fines will only become an effective deterrent once they are cumulative. Even the Ombudsman condemned the erosion of public rights as “bad administration without due consideration of the national interest.”

Photos by Alain Salvary

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