The Astronomical Society of Malta, the Light Pollution Awareness Group, Nature Trust (Malta), Friends of the Earth Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa and Birdlife Malta jointly hit out yesterday at the state of affairs at Dwejra, designated as a Dark-Sky Heritage Area, where, they said, the use of lighting fixtures illuminate not just the outside seated area of a new restaurant in the area but also the night sky.

“The site of Dwejra in Gozo is a Dark-Sky Heritage Area,” the NGOs noted yesterday, “and accordingly should be protected by Mepa as described in its Local Plan for Gozo and Comino, which regulates the preservation of the Maltese dark sky heritage at several areas on the islands. It is very sad to note that these regulations have been breached.

“Until recently, the splendour of the Milky Way was prominently visible from Dwejra, which was one of the very few remaining locations on the Maltese Islands from where the core of our own galaxy was clearly visible.

“Sadly, this is bound to become a thing of the past. Not only will the public be denied its right to observe the beauty of our cosmic habitat, but valuable scientific observations which are sensitive to light pollution will be severely hindered.”

They added that Dwejra also hosts several hundred pairs of nesting Cory’s Shearwater, which are very sensitive to light pollution when they return to the cliffs at night. The problem is especially pronounced during these weeks when young shearwaters become disoriented and, attracted by artificial light sources, risk collision with man-made structures or, on landing in their vicinity, become victims of road-kill or are preyed upon.

The NGOs explained: “Mepa and the Tourism, the Environment and Culture Ministry have repeatedly been notified of these issues and asked to act – but no progress has been registered. Dwejra is protected both at local and international level as part of the EU Natura 2000 network and is the largest contiguous protected land and sea area in Malta.”

They noted that the Maltese Islands have long shared a strong kinship with the night sky, and the conservation of certain faunal colonies depends strongly on the preservation of its darkness. However, they say “A lack of attention and a failure to safeguard the night sky by the authorities is posing a severe threat both to our ecosystem and our ability to enjoy the beauty of the natural habitat of our islands”.

The NGOs “strongly urged Mepa to act in the interests of our natural landscape, and both enforce and enhance its own regulations wherever they should be in place”.

They add: “The nightscape of the Maltese Islands has taken a severe turn for the worse. A number of locations have seen a tremendous increase in light pollution arising from an increase in poorly-designed and installed artificial lighting in urban areas as well as the emergence of artificial lighting in sites that are supposed to be protected.

“Over the years it has emerged that light pollution not only undermines our ability to appreciate the sky, but also disrupts several ecosystems. More recently, studies have shown the adverse effect of excessive artificial lighting at night on our own health.

“An unpolluted night sky that allows the enjoyment and contemplation of the firmament is considered a fundamental socio-cultural and environmental right of all human beings. Moreover, light sent upwards into the night sky is simply a waste of energy and money.”