Għadira Bay has been awarded Blue Flag status for this summer on condition that the planning authority continues to monitor the construction and subsequent operation of its seven kiosks.
Blue Flag International has been reviewing all nine beaches previously awarded the certificate to determine whether strict environmental criteria have been adhered to. All Blue Flags are awarded for one season at a time.
After this newspaper exposed the first concrete platform and plans for upgrading a total of seven kiosks in the protected Għadira Bay, Blue Flag International wrote to its local representative, Nature Trust, requesting a report on the impact of the platform on the coast, the sand dunes and the ecology.
In its Blue Flag 2015 results for Malta, the organisation thanked Nature Trust for taking swift action and for sending the evaluation report to the international jury regarding the “extraordinary circumstance” concerning Mellieħa Bay.
“The international jury awards the Blue Flag to Mellieħa Bay, on the condition that Mepa continues to monitor the construction of the kiosks to ensure compliance with the permit conditions and method statements, and that the operation of the kiosks is monitored to ensure full compliance with the Blue Flag criteria.”
It encouraged the national operator to maintain close communication between Blue Flag Malta and Blue Flag International to ensure the beach complied with all Blue Flag criteria before the status was awarded, as well as during the season.
“If there are failures in the process, the Blue Flag is to withdraw the flag immediately from this beach during the season. Furthermore, it is recommended that more frequent beach inspections are done at Mellieħa Bay, since this bay has witnessed various problems over the years which may risk the retention of the flag.”
If there are failures in the process, the Blue Flag will be withdrawn immediately
Nature Trust CEO Vince Attard explained that “various problems” referred to litter reports as well as the issue of ensuring that the kiosks, apart from already having increased in length, do not further encroach on public space by installing tables and chairs.
Another issue revolved around the umbrella concessions, which extended beyond the established parameters.
Through the years, Blue Flag International would monitor the reports and, if the occasion arose, could decide to take action, he said.
In its report, the organisation also decided to grant dispensation to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay and award it Blue Flag status. The bay does not fully comply with the criteria, since it does not offer access to people with a disability due to its geographical features.
The organisation asked that the dispensation be displayed on the information board. The closest beach with access (Golden Bay) should also be indicated on the map.
It was imperative for Għajn Tuffieħa to be supplied with the appropriate waste separation bins. Failure to have these in place will mean that the flag will not be awarded next year, the organisation warned.
Mepa said the permit for upgrading of the existing kiosks along Għadira Bay was part of a holistic plan spearheaded by the Malta Tourism Authority to upgrade and embellish this highly popular tourist area. Facilities such as the Għadira kiosks will adopt a uniform design and ensure the proper collection and disposal of waste according to sanitary regulations.
In recent weeks, Mepa has been monitoring the permitted upgrading works on the kiosks to ensure they comply with the method statement assessed and endorsed by the Environment Protection Directorate.
Although not requiring a full development planning permit, the processing of these applications was rigorous, to ensure all environmental and planning considerations were addressed.