The Simar nature reserve in Xemxija, which is overseen by Birdlife Malta, is currently under threat due to an upcoming block of seven-to-eight storey apartments across the street.
The NGO told media in a press conference outside the reserve that they will be appealing the PA’s approval of the developments.
These, Birdlife said, will have massive impact on the reserve’s ecological status and diminish the educational value which it provides to thousands of visitors.
The nature reserve received its status as such in 1991 after plans to build a theme park were changed to give space to nature and eventually led to the growth of a saline marshland.
As one of just five remaining marshland areas in Malta, it is the only breeding ground to species like the common little bittern, common coot and little grebe. It is also an important stop for migrating herons.
‘BirdLife Malta is committed to fight this all the way, challenging these development permits at the Environment & Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) and also in Court.’
#MaltaDaily