Over 1350 people who have already submitted their support for Manoel Island to be given public domain status by signing the simple form at www.foemalta.org/pd

Friends of the Earth Malta and Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) submitted no fewer than 23 applications for various sites across Malta and Gozo to be included within the public domain. Supporting these sites inclusion in the public domain means that these vast stretches of land and sites of historic heritage that contribute to the public's well-being will be provided a further layer of protection to ensure they are not only maintained and preserved today, but safeguarded for generations to come.

By signing the representation the Planning Authority will have Manoel Island included in the list of sites to be voted on as public domain sites by Parliament, the two eNGOs said in a statement.

Manoel Island, together with the 23 other sites have been published by the Planning Authority for public consultation until August 11. These proposals will then be forwarded with recommendations in an Annual Report to the Minister for Lands, to be considered by Parliament.

Private property rights are not affected by the law, but owners may have to prove and clarify land ownership. This should hopefully clarify false claims of ownership and situations where public land was blocked abusively.