Nature Trust FEE Malta, said that together with the nine eNGOs from Malta and Gozo listed below ”strongly condemns the proposal to introduce the floating entertainment barge Noma, or indeed any similar entertainment platform, and support the call of concern from various Mayors including the Ghajnsielem Mayor, whose remit includes Comino.”

In a joint statement, they said that this barge, which was rejected by France, could now threaten our coastal zone with noise and light pollution. ”This will not only impact the quality of lives of people in the area, but will also severely affect the marine and coastal environment.”

They warned that such an operation at sea ”will also increase littering, water pollution from sewage, air pollution from electricity generation, sea-bed damage caused by anchoring, and interfere with marine life migration of sea turtles, pelagic sea-birds and marine mammals.”

The eNGOs stressed that ”recent years of successful turtle nesting, would be annihilated by such entertainment ventures. Any attempts to relegate this barge to Comino which is a Natura 2000 protected site, are highly objectionable.”

Nature Trust Malta urged the relevant authorities to ”prioritise environmental protection and the public interest over short-term commercial gain. Malta’s marine environment is already under severe strain from overdevelopment and cumulative coastal pressures.”

It warned that ”Malta’s natural heritage is not an unlimited resource to be continuously exploited.”

The eNGOs stated that ”our coasts and seas are the country’s last remaining shared natural spaces. They must be safeguarded – for biodiversity, for the well-being of society and for our future generations.”

In the meantime, they said that a Parliamentary petition is being circulated and the public is being encouraged to send its objection.

Organisations:

BirdLife Malta

Din l-Art Helwa

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar

Friends of the Earth Malta

Ghawdix

Moviment Graffitti

Nature Trust FEE Malta

Ramblers’ Association of Malta

Wirt Ghawdex.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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