The Coalition for Gozo and Din L-Art Helwa said that they are preparing to fight for the revocation of a permit awarded recently for construction near the world-famous Ggantija Temples.

The fight will start as soon as the decision notice is published, with the NGOs warning that it “poses a very serious threat to the integrity of the temple complex and its buffer zone and fully justifying the public outcry.”

The Coalition for Gozo is a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation in Gozo, made up of Din L-Art Helwa Ghawdex, Ghawdix and Wirt Ghawdex working with Din L-Art Helwa, Malta’s National Trust.

The Ggantija Temples complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malta’s most cherished historical landmarks.

They stressed that the surrounding buffer zone established by UNESCO is essential for safeguarding their cultural and environmental significance, serving as a protective measure against any development that could compromise the authenticity and historical value of the temples.

The Ggantija Temples complex are a legacy of past civilisations vitally important not just to Gozitans and to Maltese but to the Global Village that our country forms part of, the NGOs said.

They argued that “sites of such global importance are not up for sale, are not the domain of local developers, governmental authorities and politicians but a gift to the world and it is our duty to protect such sites for this and future generations.”

“There is no room for small minded, petty and outrageously controversial thinking and decisions from people who should know better,” the NGOs said.

They insisted that “any such development as envisaged under PA/00570/21 which disrupt the visual setting of the temples, causes environmental disturbances, and allows for the potential degradation of the temples’ surroundings, should be blocked without reserve.”

Din L-Art Helwa and the Coalition for Gozo said they will be filing a request for the revocation of this permit “based on flaws in the approval procedure, errors and incorrect information on which basis the permit was granted.”

The group also warned that allowing this construction would set a “dangerous precedent for other sites being prepared for devastating new development in the vicinity of Ggantija Temples and other sites of key historical and cultural importance in Malta and Gozo.”

They urged the public to join its efforts against PA/00570/21, and to advocate for responsible and sustainable development that respects the buffer zone and the unique cultural and environmental heritage it seeks to protect.

The Group noted “with satisfaction and some relief, the recent strong statements by Heritage Malta (see below) and the revised opinion from the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage to the Planning Authority and calls on the Government and the Planning Authority to do its duty to the nation and the civilised world that we form part of and stop the environmental vandalism that is being wrought upon our nation.”

Heritage Malta said that it is “seriously concerned” about the recent permit for an apartment block near the Ggantija Archaeological Park.

“As custodians of Malta’s cultural heritage, we emphasise the need for preserving and protecting the outstanding universal value of these UNESCO World Heritage sites,” it said.

Heritage Malta said that it will “strongly appeal to the decision. We have consistently objected to this development during UNESCO World Heritage Committee discussions.”

Heritage Malta said that it supports the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage’s call for a heritage impact assessment, highlighting the importance of a thorough evaluation.

Heritage Malta called for “transparent collaboration with the authorities to immediately revoke the permit and find solutions that prioritise cultural preservation and community needs.”

Heritage Malta concluded by saying that it commits to contribute to this process actively, with respect to our ancestors and the future generations to come.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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