The Malta Ranger Unit has once again highlighted that Gozo, still without Environmental Protection Unit Police, “is unfortunately a place where environmental criminals feel more impunity than in Malta.”

It stressed that the chance of getting caught by any Authority is “considered minimal.”

The site in Ghasri seen in the photo above was reported by Rangers from the MRU during the last week. It noted that “the regular dumping is getting worse, with burning to follow. We are also seeing the landscape change and there are no visible permits on the Planning Authority mapserver.”

The Malta Ranger Unit said it has asked the ERA – Environment & Resources Authority for more details, such as whether these landscape changes within the Natura2000 site have been approved by the Authorities or not. The MRU said “if anyone has any information, the ERA report number is CRM00251/26.”

MRU Rangers “will continue to be on the lookout for environmental criminals who consider the Maltese countryside their rubbish bin. We urge the general public to come forward when offenders are known and not hesitate to report,” the Unit said.

The MRU also alerted the European Commission, saying that “this is unfortunately a challenge conservationists are facing in Malta. Little to no enforcement, although everything looks good on paper. These are the ‘protected’ Natura2000 sites. It’s time to demand that Member States also have efficient enforcement for such.”

Photo: Malta Ranger Unit – landscape change 2018-2024

Permalink: Gozo Natura2000 site, change in landscape and dumping site – MRU