Call To Protect Dwejra’s Dark Skies As Light Pollution Threatens One Of Malta’s Last Natural Nightscapes
A coalition of environmental, scientific, and astronomical organisations has issued an open letter calling on the Maltese government to take immediate action to protect the dark skies of Dwejra, Gozo, one of the last remaining sites in the archipelago largely free from light pollution.
Addressed to Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli and Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, the letter stresses the scientific, ecological, educational, and touristic importance of preserving Dwejra’s natural darkness.
While the site is legally designated as a Dark Sky Heritage Area, light pollution from boathouses, kiosks, and a nearby quarry has increased in recent years due to a lack of enforcement.
Dwejra has long been a key location for astronomy education, scientific research, and dark sky tourism. The Astronomical Society of Malta and other groups have held countless stargazing events, school outings, and university training sessions in the area, offering one of the last clear views of the Milky Way in Malta.
However, growing light pollution is now obstructing these efforts and diminishing public access to the natural night sky.
Beyond its importance for astronomy, Dwejra’s darkness is critical for local wildlife. The Yelkouan shearwater, Scopoli’s shearwater, and European storm petrel—all sensitive to artificial lighting—risk nest abandonment and juvenile disorientation due to increasing light pollution.
Malta’s seabirds are already under severe pressure, and conservationists warn that continued disturbances could have long-term consequences for their populations.
The letter calls for the immediate enforcement of existing regulations, which previously ensured that all artificial lights in Dwejra were switched off after sundown.
The signatories, which include BirdLife Malta, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust, the Malta Chamber of Scientists, and the University of Malta’s Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy, argue that protecting the site is a simple yet crucial step to safeguarding education, research, and biodiversity.
They urge the authorities to act decisively, stressing that Dwejra’s scientific, ecological, and cultural value must take precedence over commercial interests. With dark sky tourism gaining popularity worldwide, enforcing conservation measures could also benefit Gozo’s sustainable tourism sector.
The organisations hope their plea will lead to immediate action, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the wonder of a truly dark night sky.
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