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Nature Trust (Malta) has reiterated its position against more development at Ta’ Cenc and is concerned with the state of affairs as regards tourism related development in the Islands. The NGO has repeatedly asked for the protection of this unique site in Gozo, one of the last open areas of wilderness in Gozo.

A call for its protection was lodged formally with MEPA and with the European Commission on the basis that the whole area extending from Ta’ Cenc cliffs, and comprising the whole plateau and valleys of Wied Sabbara and Mgarr ix-Xini, should be declared without delay as a Natura 2000 site due to the presence on site of habitats and species of Community Importance which the Maltese Government is duty-bound to protect as per the Habitats Directive and national legislation. An adjacent site along Xlendi Cliffs was proposed by the Government, however this proposal lacks ecological coherence as it stops abruptly just a short distance from the Ta Cenc area where the proposed touristic development is being proposed.

The NGO is furthermore adamant that the intentions of the developer for a large tract of land which is as yet undefined in the Environmental Impact Assesment (Zone 7) should be made known and assessed as part of the current process before any decisions are taken. The NGO notes that although part the development footprint was reduced, this undefined zone has increased in size and past echoes of a proposed golf course are still being heard although not confirmed. A golf course on the island would be unsustainable and illogical considering that it would dissect the continuity of a protected area. Allowing villa development closer to Mgarr ix-Xini, together with the inevitable degradation of the vicinities, can be a dangerous pretext for further future urban sprawl. The argument being put forward in the EIA that the villa development will provide funding for the protected area is not deemed fit in this context as funds for the natural areas can be obtained through various EU measures especially if the Government finally decides to declare Natura 2000 status for Ta’ Cenc.

The NGO sees a great contradiction in the fact that whilst various hotels are being allowed to change their use of land and be transformed into flats, a lot of pressure is being exerted on undeveloped areas to be transformed into more facilities. This shows a lack of foresight and no sustainability. Every such case of major developments continues to perpetrate the myth that everything must come against a cost to the environment - no compromises are to be accepted when dealing with our irreplaceable natural heritage.

Nature Trust (Malta) finally welcomes AD stand against any development at Ta cenc. The NGO urges the other political parties to also support such as stand so as they can demonstrate their true environmental credentials and in favour of nature protection and sustainable development as has been done so far by AD on this case