Moviment Graffitti launches crowdfunding campaign to appeal Comino permit

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched by NGO Moviment Graffitti to appeal the Environment and Resources Authority's (ERA) permit allowing the uprooting of trees and construction works on the Comino Nature Reserve, and to finance future action aimed at "saving Comino from greed."

"ERA's shameful decision last Friday to allow the uprooting of 800 trees and greenlight heavy construction works in a highly sensitive environment was a betrayal of its mission to protect our environment," the NGO said. 

"It chose to do the bidding of Hili Group and pave the way for its 44 swimming pools, 16 villas and 140-room hotel on Comino, rather than prioritise the safeguarding of the Nature Reserve and Malta's national interest."

They said that ERA's approval does not only permit the uprooting of trees and heavy construction but, in practice, also allows Hili Group to begin construction even though its Planning Authority permit is not definitive, noting that the court process is still ongoing, with the court having ruled in Moviment Graffitti's favour on one major ground last May, sending the case back to the Tribunal for reconsideration.

The NGO said that although it is determined to appeal the ERA permit, this alone will not stop Hili Group from starting work, as the works will not be suspended while the case is being heard.

Moviment Graffitti is therefore also inviting the public to stay alert and register their details via a separate form, so that further action can be taken when needed, with more information to be announced in the coming days.

"We are aware that here we are up against some of the most powerful interests operating within our country," the NGO said. "However, we are convinced that the people's love for Comino can win over greed and complicity."

People can donate to the campaign in two ways: by filling in an online form at whydonate.com/fundraising/save-comino or by making a bank transfer to Moviment Graffitti's BOV account (IBAN: MT27VALL22013000000011799516027), with "Save Comino" in the transfer description