There should be no artificial lighting at Dwejra from sunset to sunrise: DLĦ

Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex has joined its voice to the call on the authorities to reverse proposed legal changes to how artificial lighting is managed at Dwejra, a Dark Sky Heritage Area in Gozo.

In a statement, the e-NGO said the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) should withdraw its draft legal notice that would allow artificial lighting at Dwejra until midnight, and instead, adopt a clear, enforceable rule: no external lighting from sunset to sunrise.

The draft legislation, dubbed the Dwejra Protection and Management Regulations, was opened for public consultation last month. The public will be able to submit their comments until March 3. 

The proposal states that light on land at the site should be switched off between midnight and sunrise – a provision NGOs say clashes with existing rules banning artificial lighting in the area. 

Several NGOs, and some 135 University of Malta academics have already come out against the proposed change.

On Sunday, Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex said allowing lighting at this site would ruin the public’s enjoyment of the night sky and undermine Dwejra’s value for scientific observation, particularly astronomy.

"During a meeting with NGOs on February 24, ERA’s Director of Environment and Resources, Darrin Stevens, said the proposal to only switch off light at midnight was based on advice from university academics. However, he refused to provide names, disciplines, or supporting studies. When questioned, he confirmed that astronomers, astrologers [sic], and astrophysicists had not been consulted.

“This is a decision with clear scientific consequences. It must be based on relevant expertise and transparent, evidence-based studies.”

Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex added that the measure would affect its night-sky observation sessions. Held on the roof of Dwejra Tower, which is under its guardianship, these are organised before midnight and often continue through the night, at times until dawn.

The tower recently received the Gozo Tourism Association’s Gozo Cultural Niche Tourism Achievement Award 2025.

"Light pollution disrupts wildlife, affects human well-being, wastes energy, increases emissions, and blocks our view of the universe.

"Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex is therefore calling for full transparency on who was consulted and what evidence supports the proposed policy, and for Dwejra’s darkness to be protected without exception."