Environmental NGO Flimkien għal-Ambjent Aħjar has filed applications requesting that seven sites be designated as being Public Domain.

Addressing journalists this morning, the environmental organisation said that following the unanimous approval of the Public Domain Act last month, it was taking the first step and exercising its right to file the applications.

The sites that have been suggested for consideration are Manoel Island, Wied Garnaw, Ħondoq, Kalanka and Delimara, Ta’ Ċenċ, the three trees at Ta’ Xbiex and the stretch of beach between Sliema and St Julian’s.

“This is just the first set of proposals. We will be submitting more in the coming months and we hope that other individuals do the same,” FAA spokeswoman Astrid Vella told journalists.

She also encouraged the public to make a similar move, especially if there were other areas in different localities that might be less well-known.

The law on Public Domain empowers citizens and NGOs to recommend land and property to be listed as ‘public domain’. Such land cannot be used for commercial reasons. It also guarantees public access to such lands.

A site requires a parliamentary decision for it to be declared as being in the public domain.