New regulations will govern Malta’s first-ever geological park at the Dwejra Bay area in Gozo and the surrounding environment of il-Qawra tad-Dwejra.
A public consultation on these regulations was launched during an educational walk at Dwejra Bay with the participation of Ministers Miriam Dalli and Minister Clint Camilleri together with ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca, Local Council representatives, Eco-Gozo representatives, local schoolchildren amongst other stakeholders.
The Dwejra-Qawra zone in Gozo hosts a number of important geological and geomorphological features with its coastal cliffs, stacks, its picturesque Inland Sea, valleys and reefs. The new regulations designate this part of western Gozo as a Site of Geological Importance, laying down rules intended at conserving and protecting this area of natural beauty and its unique geological features.
With the proposed rules, the Dwejra Steering Committee will assist ERA and Eco Gozo to implement conservation measures on controlling light pollution and the permitting of recreational activities in the protected area.
These include restrictions on harmful or potentially harmful activities that could affect the biodiversity, geological, and landscape features at Dwejra and the western cliffs of Gozo. Such restrictions include any dumping of waste material, species protection, taking of fossils, offroading as well as regulation of camping and kindling of fires in more sensitive areas. Restrictions on light and noise pollution for the Dwejra area already exist for mariners, but these will now extend inland to prohibit light projections on the cliffs or loud music, or any unnecessary noise within the terrestrial part of protected site. Nearby vessels will also have to switch off all external lights between sunset and sunrise of the following day, except for lights strictly required for safety onboard, for safe navigation purposes or for fishing. While camping fires are allowed in the protected area, these will be prohibited in high-risk areas within the Natura 2000 site in the Il-Qawra zone, where key habitats have already suffered considerable damage due to fires in the last years.
The public consultation will receive submissions from stakeholders and other interested parties on the draft Dwejra Protection and Management Regulations, before these are officially published as a Legal Notice under the Environment Protection Act.
Minister Miriam Dalli said that the launch of the public consultation marks an important step in safeguarding one of Malta’s most iconic natural sites. “Dwejra is a place of exceptional geological, ecological and cultural value, not only for Gozo but for the whole country. These regulations are about conservation and responsible enjoyment, ensuring that this unique landscape is protected for future generations. Public participation is essential to make these measures effective and inclusive,” Minister Dalli said.
Minister Clint Camilleri stated that Dwejra is one of Gozo’s most important natural landmarks, and these regulations are essential to safeguard its unique geological and environmental value. He stressed the need for “a balanced approach that protects this site while allowing for responsible enjoyment and I welcome the public consultation as a key step towards transparency and sustainable management for the benefit of present and future generations.”
ERA’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca said the public consultation will be essential for ERA to analyse submissions and amend the proposed regulations if necessary. “We welcome the public’s interest in ERA’s public consultations – key stakeholders, NGOs and members of the public have been instrumental in fine-tuning our environment regulations, and we take on board their concerns as much as possible, while also considering socio-economic realities,” Mercieca said.
ERA urges those who wish to participate in this public consultation by visiting https://era.org.mt/dwejra-protection-and-management-regulations-2026/ for more information. The public consultation is open until the 3rd of March 2026.
Photo: MEEC
