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Illegal Camper Van Making Money Off Mellieħa Natura2000 Site Removed

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The illegal camper that was making money off of a protected Natura2000 site within public Mellieħa land has been removed by its owner.

A representative for ERA confirmed that the camper van was removed today, with FKNK President Lucas Micallef also confirming this.

This comes after Lovin Malta uncovered accommodation operations occurring in a special area of conservation, operating without the necessary permits, called VanCation Malta.

Following the revelations, ERA ordered the removal of the caravan, assuring that it will take direct action otherwise.

ERA then assured that fines will start to be administered if the camper is not removed immediately, for as much as €100 a day for both the owner and any guests.

When Lovin Malta asked the owner, letting specialist Fabian Sacco, for the necessary permits to carry out such an operation, Sacco claimed that no permits were needed.

ERA confirmed with Lovin Malta that a permit was never granted for such an activity to take place in an area of conservation.

When the newsroom then set up a meeting with Sacco, with the view of giving him the opportunity to better explain their operations, he cancelled the meeting just minutes before, insisting that his lawyers advised him not to.

As detailed in VanCation Malta’s booking rates, rates to stay inside the caravan were €89 per night on weekends and €79 per night on weekdays.

Upon booking, people are told to pay €100 at the time of booking, with the rest of the payment balance being due five days before arrival.

A €100 damage deposit is also required. For a minimum two-night stay over the weekend, it would cost €203.

Evidence of illegal fires was also found on VanCation Malta’s Facebook page, in an area where setting fires is punishable by law.

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Sasha is a writer, creator, and podcast host interested in environmental matters, humans, and art. Some know her as Sasha tas-Sigar. Inspired by nature and the changing world. Follow her on Instagram at @saaxhaa and send her your stories at [email protected]

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