Fireworks at Dwejra

A set of activities, branded "3D - Dwejra from Dusk to Dawn" are being organised at Dwejra (Gozo) on September 21 and 22. I was very disturbed to hear the news that these activities will include fireworks displays on both nights.

Dwejra is a national heritage park and it was declared so in order to protect its unique landscape, flora, fauna and history. The EU has channelled generous funds to protect the site through a LIFE Project with a local NGO. The coastline of Dwejra, only a few metres away from the venue of the activities, is an Important Bird Area (IBA). Cory's Shearwaters, an Annex I species of the EU Birds Directive, breed along the coast.

I can only imagine the negative effects the fireworks will have on the Cory's Shearwaters which visit the cliffs at night to feed their young. The breeding season for this species is not yet over, in fact the young will fledge in October. Both the deafening noise and the bright lights of fireworks can easily lead to the desertion of the colony.

The fireworks will also disturb other resident birds such as the Blue Rock Thrush (the national bird of Malta), the scarce Spectacled Warbler and the locally rare Corn Bunting. Bats will certainly not enjoy the fireworks either.

I wonder whether the necessary permits to let off fireworks at Dwejra have the approval from Mepa.