Four environmental NGOs have signed an open letter to the Prime Minister proposing a new nature park in the south of Malta as an alternative to the controversial ‘Buġibba in the South’ proposed development.

Birdlife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar and Nature Trust are urging Joseph Muscat to declare the public land between Smart City and Żonqor Point as a protected nature and heritage park for the benefit of the environment and people alike.

Reacting to a proposal to develop three hotels in the area, which is an outside development zone, the NGOs said they fear it would create “an unsustainable precedent for the ongoing development of undeveloped countryside in the area, which would devastate the local environment and ruin its traditional character”.

The letter states that declaring this pristine stretch of coast and countryside as a nature park not only safeguards the site from development, but will enhance the quality of life for local communities and provide opportunities for employment in ecotourism, calling it “a win-win situation for the country”.

The plan recommends improvements for public access and education, such as a heritage trail and refurbishment of Fort San Leonard as a visitor centre, and also suggests renovating disused buildings as ecotourism destinations.