Din l-Art Ħelwa has strongly criticised the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) in a statement for approving the uprooting of approximately 800 trees on Comino, describing the decision as an act of "environmental vandalism".

The NGO said the approval clears the way for preliminary works linked to the controversial Six Senses Comino development, and accused the environmental regulator of failing in its responsibility to safeguard the island's protected natural environment.

Comino forms part of the European Union's Natura 2000 network and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and Protection. The designation is intended to protect habitats and species of European importance and imposes specific conservation obligations on member states.

According to Din l-Art Ħelwa, the removal of hundreds of trees would cause significant and potentially irreversible damage to Comino's ecosystem. The organisation said many of the trees are protected and provide important habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife.

"Their destruction will inevitably impact the rich biodiversity of Comino," the NGO said, arguing that the ecological consequences would extend beyond the trees themselves and affect species dependent on the island's habitats.

Din l-Art Ħelwa also raised concerns about the timing of the ERA approval. It said the permit was issued while the underlying development permission for the project remains subject to an ongoing appeal.

The organisation described allowing the works to proceed before a final court ruling as "reckless", arguing that the decision undermines due process and the rule of law.

It is calling on the authorities to revoke the permit and to ensure that Comino's protected status is given priority over commercial interests.

"Commercial interests should never take precedence over the protection of our national heritage," Din l-Art Ħelwa said.

The NGO urged the authorities to consider their legal and environmental responsibilities not only in relation to the current development, but also to the preservation of Comino for future generations.