Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544339
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 10 APRIL 2026 NEWS Malta's Governance of Forced Migration Public Talk at Il-Hagar Museum MALTA'S governance of forced migration – people compelled to travel for their own safety due to conflict, persecution, or disasters – has been the subject of contro- versy. In the next public lecture at Il-Ħaġar Heart of Gozo Museum this Saturday 11 April at 11:00, Professor Daniela DeBono, Head of the Department of Anthropo- logical Sciences at the University of Malta, will critically examine its development over the past two decades, with a focus on areas where the risks of human rights violations are high. Amission is free, but seat reser- vations are encouraged by send- ing an email to events@heartof- gozo.org.mt. CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 Instead, he said the council has been approached by non-govern- mental organisations, members of the public and other local coun- cils raising alarm about the devel- opment and its potential impact. In statement issued earlier this week, the Għajnsielem Local Council confirmed it has regis- tered a formal objection to any permits that would allow Noma Island to operate within the vicin- ity of Comino and surrounding coastal areas. The council said its objection is based on a number of environ- mental and policy concerns, fore- most among them the protected status of Comino. The island is designated as a Natura 2000 site and a Special Area of Conserva- tion, forming part of what the council described as a "highly sensitive ecological environment" of both national and European importance. It warned that introducing fur- ther commercial activity in or around this zone risks causing irreversible damage to marine bi- odiversity, including habitats that support protected species and es- sential ecological processes. The council also argued that the proposal runs counter to on- going national efforts to curb over-commercialisation and re- duce mass tourism pressures on Comino. Furthermore, it said that environmental organisations have repeatedly highlighted the need to limit additional activity in the area, warning that entertain- ment-based operations would in- crease human presence, noise and disturbance. Waste generation, particular- ly marine litter, was identified as another key concern. The council said there is already evidence that excessive tourism and commer- cial activity have contributed to environmental degradation on Comino, and warned that addi- tional operations would place fur- ther strain on the island's fragile ecosystem. Noise pollution was also flagged as a significant issue, with the council warning that music and large gatherings at sea in close proximity to Comino would di- rectly conflict with efforts to pre- serve the island as a quiet natural zone. In light of these concerns, the council has called on authorities to refrain from issuing any per- mits or licences related to the project, or to revoke any that may already exist. It urged decision makers to prioritise long term en- vironmental protection, sustaina- bility and the ecological integrity of Comino. The controversy surround- ing Noma Island forms part of a broader national debate on the regulation of floating entertain- ment platforms and their impact on coastal and marine environ- ments. Authorities have given mixed signals on the project. Transport Malta has said the vessel operates under a commercial licence, while the Environment and Resources Authority indicated that no per- mit is required unless the opera- tion takes place within protected areas. The project has also faced oppo- sition from other localities. Mayors in areas including Mell- ieħa and Sliema have questioned how the operation is being al- lowed and whether existing per- mitting frameworks are adequate. Environmental groups have likewise called for immediate in- tervention, warning that such developments risk undermining sustainability efforts and exacer- bating pressures on already vul- nerable sites. The political party Momentum also insisted that all activities in and around Comino must strictly adhere to environmental protec- tions and planning regulations. If no permits have been granted, immediate enforcement action must be taken. If permits do exist, they must be published without delay. Ghajnsielem mayor says no response received from entities contacted Din l-Art Helwa Gozo provided a photograph taken on Monday night, showing an "unacceptable" level of pollution falling upon Comino (Photo: Din l-Art Helwa Ghawdex)