Moviment Graffitti is of the opinion that the fire, which damaged the large area of land in Bahrija, wasn’t entirely accidental. This is because in the past years a number of carob trees have been vandalised, as well as field crops. In fact, such incidents were also given coverage by the media. In this regard, it is worth remembering the strong environmental campaign in which NGOs and other civil society entities expressed solidarity with farmers who were being victimised and urged for the protection of the area.

A major concern for Moviment Graffitti relates to the fact that “it seems that someone, somewhere has already decided on the future of the area, which had been cultivated by farmers for years”.

The movement therefore urges the authorities concerned to investigate certain incidents that are rumoured to be taking place in Bahrija. It is asking that MEPA and the police authorities strengthen their investigation and enforcement duties in the area so that due clarification is made as to whether this last fire incident was truly an accident or an arson attack.

Moviment Graffitti questions; “Could it be that someone is trying to decrease the environmental value of the area?”

For this not to take place, Moviment Graffitti requests that the area, which lies outside the development zone, remains intact and that no development permits are issued for the area in the years to come. In this regard, the movement wishes to suggest that similar to what took place in Spain, Italy and Greece, a policy is implemented whereby areas damaged by fire are declared as non-development areas. Such policy should hopefully deter people from committing further arson attacks on environmental land so as to facilitate development of the area.