Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533045
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 7 MARCH 2025 NEWS Conserving the night sky of Dwejra, Gozo A number of environmental NGOs and other entities have called on Gozo minister Clint Camilleri and environment min- ister Miriam Dalli to protect Dwe- jra. In an open letter to the two min- isters, the organisations insist that Dwejra is one of the very last re- maining dark sites in the country. "The site of Dwejra, Gozo, has long been cherished by educators, scientists, and environmentalists alike for several reasons," they say. "Principal amongst them is its dark skies." Indeed, published scientific studies have shown how light pol- lution has proliferated across the islands, with Dwejra being the best dark site left. The organisations said that an ever-growing amount of scientific literature has demonstrated the importance of reclaiming dark- ness at night. Light pollution has an adverse impact not only upon our ability to observe the night sky, but also on ecology and human health. "The site of Dwejra is of im- mense importance for scientific studies, the training of future sci- entists, and the education of chil- dren and students of all ages (up to and including University un- dergraduates and postgraduates) in STEM fields," the organisations said in their letter. For decades, educational astron- omy nights for school children have been organised and held at Dwejra; University science stu- dents have received training at this site; and people from all walks of life have been able to enjoy a pristine view of the night sky, get- ting a respite from urban night- time brightness. "Dwejra is a unique site for our Islands — a haven of darkness which allows for the best views of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. This is an opportunity which is fast diminishing on the Maltese archipelago." Il-ponta ta' San Dimitri sal-Ponta ta' Ħarrux Special Protected Area, which coincides with the Dwejra Dark Sky Heritage area, is home to 80 to 100 pairs of Yelkouan shear- water, 340 to 500 pairs of Scopoli's shearwater and 50 to 70 pairs of European Storm-petrel. All three species are sensitive to light pollution and reduce colony attendance when nesting sites are lit up, risking abandonment in the long-term. Juveniles are disori- ented by light pollution and risk grounding on land instead of fly- ing out to sea on their first flight. And Dwejra's dark skies also draw a number of tourists seeking splendid views of the Universe. Dark sky tourism has been on the rise around the world, and Dwejra stands to benefit if its dark skies are adequately protected. In the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, the site of Dwejra is desig- nated as a Dark Sky Heritage Ar- ea, the importance of which was underscored in a 2019 court sen- tence. Accordingly, for several years, it was ensured that no artificial light was present at the site after sun- down. "Regrettably, we have observed that over the past months and years, enforcement has deteri- orated," the letter reads. "Light emanating from boathouses at the Inland Sea, kiosks, and a nearby quarry is all but spoiling the site at night." This leaves much to be desired in terms of the conservation of Dwejra's dark skies and comes at a dear cost: it results in ecological damage, hampers our ability to educate future generations, dis- connects the public from enjoying this window to the Universe, and shuts a door in the face of school children for whom astronomy re- mains a gateway to the sciences. "We urge you to liaise with the competent authorities falling un- der your remit to treat this matter with the urgency and importance it deserves," the organisations urged the ministers. "You are in a position to make a tangible difference to the educa- tion of future generations, and the conservation of a special site on our Islands." The organisations said the solu- tions is a simple one: all lights are to be switched off at sundown, so that Dwejra remains dark throughout the entire night. "We are writing to urge you to take the necessary steps to ensure the enforcement of such condi- tions." The called on the ministers to place the ecological, scientific, educational, and sustainable tour- istic value of this site above other considerations, and do everything in their power to conserve the dark skies of this site for the gen- eral public and future generations to enjoy. The letter was signed by the Astronomical Society of Malta, Azzjoni Tuna Artna Lura, Birdlife Malta, Department of Physics, University of Malta Din l-Art Ħel- wa, Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, Friends of the Earth Malta, Għaw- dix, Insitute of Space Sciences and Astronomy - University of Malta, Light Pollution Awareness Group, Malta Chamber of Scientists, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust, Nature in Perspective , and Wirt Għawdex. Inland sea lighting THE Gozo Tourism Associa- tion held its 26th Annual Gen- eral Meeting, during which GTA Secretary Mark Busuttil read the minutes of the last meeting and GTA Treasurer Konrad Scicluna presented the financial report. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Min- ister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, noted the increases that Gozo is ex- periencing in tourist arrivals. He said that the positive tra- jectory is the result of delib- erate strategies, key collabora- tions and initiatives that have elevated Gozo's profile. Borg said that tourism re- mains the corner stone of Gozo's economy, therefore it is essential for all stakeholders to synergise efforts to sustain and improve Gozo's touristic appeal. GTA Chairman Paul Sciclu- na said that although during 2024 tourism in Gozo regis- tered positive numbers, one cannot ignore certain issues that are of concern to the tourism sector on Gozo. The tourism sector on Gozo is concerned that Gozo's distinct charm is being eroded by rapid development and unchecked development threatens the is- land's unique appeal, he said. Another problem being en- countered by tourism opera- tors is the increases in oper- ating expenses, which if not tackled properly can reduce the competitive edge of the destination. Scicluna said that while Gozo's hospitality is rooted in its authentic, warm service, businesses are increasingly relying on employees from across Europe and beyond. He stressed the need to maintain the authenticity of the Gozitan touristic product, especially through a trained and skilled labour force. Gozo minister Clint Camill- eri highlighted the increases of tourist arrivals to Gozo during the past year and said the Gov- ernment is committed to con- tinue investing in the tourism industry. "The objective is to continue presenting Gozo as a distinct all-year round destination in order to preserve and augment a sustainable touristic product for the island," he said. Gozo Tourism Association holds 26th AGM GTA chairman Paul Scicluna