On the Mistra nightclub case, FAA notes that MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, involved in the Mistra nightclub case, has now requested that Mepa halts the processing of a permit on his land that would have turned a large field adjacent to the bay into an open-air entertainment area. It is hoped that the results of investigation by the Mepa auditor and the Police Commissioner requested by the Prime Minister and Dr Alfred Sant, will be made public with minimal delay.

Mepa’s recommendation to refuse a Malta Tourism Authority proposal for the touristic development of Mistra Bay, on which the open-air nightclub permit depended, is definitely a welcome decision.

Regrettably, the Mistra Bay area has been allowed to degrade and has fallen subject to development threats and neglect. Precautions to protect the Natura 2000 site similar to those taken at White Tower Bay should be put in place immediately to prevent cars parking on the site. FAA expects every measure should be taken to rehabilitate the ecologically and scientifically important saline marsh as befits this Level One site of international importance.

FAA now strongly recommends that whichever government is elected next week, the new administration should put a stop to the threat of continuous applications Outside the Development Zone by regulating that only essential infrastructure is to be assessed by Mepa, while applications that are blatantly unsuitable will not even be considered.

More sustainable development within a sound management plan that gives value to the existing natural features of unique sites such as this, would contribute far more to our tourism than the damage caused by ill-sited commercial ventures.