For the attention of: 

Hon. Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Hon. Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo and Planning 

Dear Hon. Ministers, 

The site of Dwejra, Gozo, has long been cherished by educators, scientists, and environmentalists  alike for several reasons. Principal amongst them is its dark skies. Dwejra is one of the very last  remaining dark sites on the archipelago. Indeed, published scientific studies have shown how light  pollution has proliferated across the Islands, with Dwejra being the best dark site left.  Consequently, the imperative to protect it is rendered even more urgent. 

An ever-growing amount of scientific literature has demonstrated the importance of reclaiming  darkness at night. Light pollution has an adverse impact not only upon our ability to observe the  night sky, but also on ecology and human health.  

The site of Dwejra is of immense importance for scientific studies, the training of future scientists,  and the education of children and students of all ages (up to and including University  undergraduates and postgraduates) in STEM fields. For decades, educational astronomy nights  for school children have been organised and held at Dwejra; University science students have  received training at this site; and people from all walks of life have been able to enjoy a pristine  view of the night sky, getting a respite from urban nighttime brightness. Dwejra is a unique site for  our Islands — a haven of darkness which allows for the best views of our home galaxy, the Milky  Way. This is an opportunity which is fast diminishing on the Maltese archipelago.  

Il-ponta ta’ San Dimitri sal-Ponta ta’ Ħarrux Special Protected Area, which coincides with the  Dwejra Dark Sky Heritage area, is home to 80-100 pairs of Yelkouan shearwater, 340-500 pairs of  Scopoli’s shearwater and 50-70 pairs of European Storm-petrel. All three species are sensitive to  light pollution and reduce colony attendance when nesting sites are lit up, risking abandonment in  the long-term. Juveniles are disoriented by light pollution and risk grounding on land instead of  flying out to sea on their first flight.  

Finally, Dwejra’s dark skies also draw a number of tourists seeking splendid views of the Universe.  Dark sky tourism has been on the rise around the world, and Dwejra stands to benefit if its dark  skies are adequately protected. 

In the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, the site of Dwejra is designated as a Dark Sky Heritage Area, the importance of which was underscored in a 2019 court sentence. Accordingly, for several  years, it was ensured that no artificial light was present at the site after sundown. Regrettably, we  have observed that over the past months and years, enforcement has deteriorated. Light  emanating from boathouses at the Inland Sea, kiosks, and a nearby quarry is all but spoiling the  site at night. This leaves much to be desired in terms of the conservation of Dwejra’s dark skies  and comes at a dear cost: it results in ecological damage; hampers our ability to educate future  generations; disconnects the public from enjoying this window to the Universe; and shuts a door  in the face of school children for whom astronomy remains a gateway to the sciences. 

We urge you to liaise with the competent authorities falling under your remit to treat this matter  with the urgency and importance it deserves. You are in a position to make a tangible difference to  the education of future generations, and the conservation of a special site on our Islands. 

The solution is a simple one indeed — and one that had been in place for years: all lights are to be switched off at sundown, such that Dwejra remains dark throughout the entire night. We  are writing to urge you to take the necessary steps to ensure the enforcement of such conditions. 

We hope — and trust — that you will place the ecological, scientific, educational, and sustainable  touristic value of this site above other considerations, and will do everything in your power to  conserve the dark skies of this site for the general public and future generations to enjoy. 

Signatories: 

The Astronomical Society of Malta 

Azzjoni Tuna Artna Lura 

Birdlife Malta 

Department of Physics, University of Malta 

Din l-Art Ħelwa 

Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex 

Friends of the Earth Malta 

Għawdix 

Insitute of Space Sciences and Astronomy, University of Malta 

Light Pollution Awareness Group 

Malta Chamber of Scientists 

Moviment Graffitti 

Nature Trust 

Nature in Perspective 

Wirt Għawdex