Din l-Art Helwa said that it condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent decision by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) to approve the uprooting of approximately 800 trees on the island of Comino, describing it as ”an act of environmental vandalism.”

DLH argued that ”this approval, which paves the way for preliminary works on the controversial Six Senses Comino development, represents nothing short of a betrayal of ERA’s duty as the guardian of our natural environment.”

”Comino is not just any island; it forms part of the Natura 2000 network and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and Protection. Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas across the European Union, with the aim of affording protection to habitats and species of wild fauna and flora of Community interest,” stated DLH.

The organisation stressed that this status, enshrined in EU law, ”demands the highest level of protection for one of the most sensitive natural areas in the Maltese Islands. Yet, ERA has chosen to ignore this designation, approving a decision that will cause irreversible damage to this fragile ecosystem.”

DLH warned that ”the removal of hundreds of trees, many of which are protected, will have a devastating ripple effect. These trees form a vital habitat for a myriad of species. Their destruction will inevitably impact the rich biodiversity of Comino, affecting numerous birds, insects and other wildlife that depend on this habitat for their survival. The ecological balance of the island is literally being sacrificed for the benefit of a few.”

Furthermore, the organisation said, ”it is utterly reckless that ERA has granted this permit while the underlying planning development permission is still subject to an ongoing appeal against it. To allow such destructive works to proceed before a final court ruling demonstrates a complete disregard for due process and the rule of law.”

Din l-Art Helwa concluded by calling on the authorities ”to revoke this permit and to act in accordance with their legal and moral obligation to protect Comino for present and future generations. Commercial interests should never take precedence over the protection of our national heritage.”

File photo

Permalink: Comino: ERA’s approval of tree uprooting is ”act of environmental vandalism” – DLH