Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, the environment NGO, has launched a fund-raising campaign to help it prepare for an appeal filed by developers after developers had permits to develop a site overlooking Ramla l-Hamra revoked.

"The public is under the impression that Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo is no longer at risk of development, when, in fact, it is still under threat," FAA said.

The permit that had been granted in 2007 was subsequently rescinded on the grounds of incorrect information being provided by the developers. The rescinding took place shortly after a large protest in Valletta organised by environment NGOs drew an estimated 1,500 protestors.

An appeal is pending.

"While an appeal to reinstate the Ramla permit remains possible, this iconic bay remains under threat of development," the FAA said.

"Granting this permit will allow the building of a complex of 23 villas with pools on the slopes of the Ramla hillside and would effectively open the whole hillside to development. The Gozitan NGO Save Ramla, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) and other environment NGOs are committed to ensuring that the most iconic unspoilt beach in the Maltese islands remains unbuilt, also because parts of Ramla l-Ħamra is a Natura 2,000 site due to the presence of endangered plants growing on the unique sand dunes at Ramla.

"In order to fight this development it has been necessary to incur substantial and unavoidable expense to carry out research and studies and draw up professional reports so that our objection is based on solid ground."

FAA appealed for donations an sms on 5061 8079 (€4.66) or 5061 9226 (€11.65).

Alternatively, contributors can make a direct debit donation at http://www.faa.org.mt/donate or by credit card on https://faa.trolleymania.com