In a joint statement, eight ENGOs have said that “the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has once again shown it is toothless, accepting amendments to the Environment Protection Act which allow the use of fireworks near protected trees across the country.”

They argued that the new legal notice was enacted without consultation and allows fireworks to be ignited within 20 metres of protected areas.

The ENGOs – BirdLife Malta, Moviment Graffitti, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Din l-Art Helwa, Friends of the Earth Malta, Nature Trust-FEE Malta, Ramblers’ Association of Malta, and Malta Ranger Unit, calling for an “immediate repeal of the law and the initiation of a proper public consultation process in this regard.”

They warned that “in a controversial move earlier this month, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) accepted amendments to the Environment Protection Act imposed by the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, which now practically gives the green light for the lighting of fireworks within 20 metres of protected areas.”

“Despite the recurring issue of tree destruction making headlines across the country, the Government’s solution has been to amend the law to legitimise what was previously illegal,” the ENGOs said.

They explained that Legal Notice 151 of 2024, published on the 2nd of July, modifies a previous prohibition on lighting fireworks near protected trees, now allowing fireworks to be ignited within 20 metres of such trees, provided “adequate measures” are in place.

However, the ENGOs insisted that these measures are undefined, “creating ambiguity and a significant loophole, placing the burden of enforcement on ERA.”

The regulations also lack stipulating the fines which offenders would have to pay if no adequate measures are in place and if the illegality leads to the unfortunate event of setting trees on fire, they said. “This is yet another loophole within the regulation and which ERA have been made aware of earlier this year, but to no avail.”

The ENGOs stressed that “with ERA already struggling to enforce existing regulations and rarely penalising events where trees are damaged, including incidents involving fireworks, the new amendments to this legislation risk endangering even well-known wooded areas such as Buskett, where festivities are often held.”

Moreover, the ENGOs said that this Legal Notice was enacted after being presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on the 2nd of July by the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government on behalf of the Environment Ministry. “No public consultation was held on the matter, despite its significant impact on the country’s natural heritage.”

The went on to say that “rhe absence of input from NGOs and the general public on this critical issue is alarming, particularly given the demonstrated public concern for tree conservation, as seen in past incidents such as the pruning and subsequent vandalism of trees in Mosta.”

In response, the eight environmental NGOs led by BirdLife Malta are calling for an immediate repeal of the law and the initiation of a proper public consultation process.

These ENGOs are urging the Government to “strengthen environmental laws and not to appease the agendas of individual ministries or lobby groups, thus protecting the broader interest of our national natural heritage.”

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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