Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543090
THE Environment and Re- sources Authority (ERA) has launched a public consultation on new regulations that will govern Malta's first-ever geo- logical park at the Dwejra–Qa- wra area in Gozo, a move that has drawn criticism from en- vironmental NGOs over pro- posed provisions on artificial lighting. The draft Dwejra Protection and Management Regulations were announced during an educational walk at Dwejra Bay attended by Environment Minister Miriam Dalli, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, ERA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca, local council rep- resentatives, Eco Gozo offi- cials, schoolchildren and other stakeholders. The regulations would for- mally designate the Dwejra– Qawra zone as a site of geolog- ical importance, introducing a new governance framework and a Dwejra Steering Com- mittee to assist ERA and Eco Gozo in conservation manage- ment. The area is recognised for its coastal cliffs, stacks, In- land Sea, valleys and reefs, and is considered one of Gozo's most distinctive natural land- scapes. According to ERA, the pro- posed rules aim to protect the site's geological, ecolog- ical and landscape features through restrictions on activi- ties deemed harmful or poten- tially harmful. These include waste dumping, fossil collec- tion, off-roading, damage to protected species, and tighter controls on camping and the lighting of fires in sensitive ar- eas. These would prohibit light projections on cliffs, loud music and unnecessary noise within the terrestrial protect- ed area. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2026 • ISSUE 083 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday €1.00 MOTOR LOANS SKIP TO THE GOOD PART Your Future Ride Today All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). bov.com/motorloans CONTACT US CONTINUES PAGE 4 CONTINUES PAGE 3 MALTA has formally submitted a nomination to UNESCO seek- ing World Heritage status for the fortifications built by the Knights of St John, a move that would see Gozo's Cittadella included as part of an extended World Her- itage property alongside Valletta and major harbour fortifications. The nomination dossier, titled "The Maltese Fortifications of the Knights of St John", was per- sonally submitted to UNESCO by Malta's Ambassador to UNE- SCO, Monsignor Vella Gauci, to- gether with the technical attaché to Malta's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, Mariah Zammit, and Anthony Pace. Gozo's Cittadella included in Malta's World Heritage nomination ERA launches public consultation on Dwejra eNGOs warn of 'betrayal' over lighting rules Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and Environment Minister Miriam Dalli were in attendance during the launch (Photo: DOI)