The Coalition for Gozo, made up of ten NGOs, has slammed a planning application PA/01439/25, which seeks to sanction illegal developments at Dwejra in Gozo.

“This application should be summarily dismissed,” said the NGOs. “Over the years, the applicant has systematically degraded protected land by installing unauthorised structures including walls, a canopy, solar panels, and CCTV cameras.”In a joint statement, the Coalition warned that approving this application “would set a deeply troubling precedent – one that rewards illegality and undermines environmental protection.”

They said that the Planning Authority falls under the remit of the Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, who recently referred to Dwejra as “the most beautiful corner of Gozo” in a public social media post (on 6th June, 2025). “It is time for politicians to go beyond rhetorical platitudes and demonstrate genuine commitment to safeguarding this site.”The Coalition stressed that “protecting Dwejra requires firm enforcement of existing regulations – not continued tolerance of those who exploit public and protected land for private interests. We also highlight ongoing violations at the Inland Sea, where several boathouses have been fitted with solar panels. The Inland Sea is being lit at night by a number of boathouses.”

The NGOs pointed out that this practice directly contravenes Policy GZ-DARK1 of the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, which aims to preserve the area’s dark sky status. “The authorities must act decisively to remove these installations and ensure that Dwejra’s night sky remains undisturbed.”In March of this year, fifteen organisations and academic institutions published an open letter to Miriam Dalli and Clint Camilleri, urging immediate intervention to halt the proliferation of light pollution and other damaging activities at Dwejra, in particular from activities at a number of boathouses and a nearby quarry.

The Coalition said that to date, no reply has been received. “The silence from politicians and authorities alike is deafening and signals complicity.”

“The offences at Dwejra are wide-ranging – from offroading and open-fire barbecuing to the degradation of underwater habitats and eradication of the night sky.” The Coalition asked “why do Ministers Dalli and Camilleri continue to shield those who are systematically ruining this treasured site of international importance?”

The NGOs stated that “despite holding the title of Environment Minister, Dalli seems to treat environmental destruction as someone else’s responsibility – so long as it is politically convenient.”“The authority under her remit – ERA – has been utterly ineffective. It registered an objection to PA/01439/25, but its duties, responsibilities, and authority extend far beyond this – and it should be proactive in its enforcement before matters snowball,” stated the NGOs.

They argued that “Camilleri, on the other hand, is not only Planning Minister, but also Minister for Gozo – and a Gozitan himself. We would expect far better of someone who professes to hold his home island and the Gozitan public at heart.”

“It is infuriating to note that too many officials have been resting on their laurels when it comes to Dwejra," said the Coalition.

In this regard, we also call on ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca, ERA Director of Environment and Resources Darrin Stevens, and San Lawrenz Mayor Noel Formosa “to stop hiding behind token gestures, and in consultation with environmental NGOs that truly have Dwejra’s wellbeing at heart, take tangible action to safeguard Dwejra’s environment,” said the NGOs. “This includes enforcement against illegal activities, eradication of sources of light pollution, and the implementation of serious conservation measures to manage visitor pressure and habitat destruction.”

The went on to say that “we should not have to remind our politicians, authorities, and local councils that Dwejra is a Natura 2000 site, a Special Area of Conservation, a Special Protected Area, and a designated Dark Sky Heritage Area. These designations carry legal weight and obligations.”

The Coalition for Gozo concluded by saying that”as for application PA/01439/25, should the Planning Authority choose to give its approval, we will not remain silent. Dwejra is far too valuable to be sacrificed for private interests. We have every intention to make sure this case is neither ignored nor forgotten.”

The statement by the Coalition for Gozo was signed by:

The statement was signed by:

Din l-Art Helwa (Ghawdex); Ghawdix and Wirt Ghawdex.

Photos: Coalition for Gozo – Inland Sea “illegally illuminated” by boathouses; Cliff face of the Inland Sea “illegally illuminated” by boathouses; Solar panels atop Inland Sea boathouses, visible in a Google Earth image; “Illegal lighting” at a boathouse at the Inland Sea; and The site of PA/01439/25 (Image from PA application documents).

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