Taking in vast stretches of coastline, beleaguered valleys and heritage spots, 24 sites around Malta and Gozo are being considered for a new level of protection under the Public Domain Act.

The proposed sites, most submitted by eNGOs, range in scale from the whole of Comino and Manoel Island to three “landmark” trees in Ta’ Xbiex.

They have been published by the Planning Authority for public consultation until August 11, before being forwarded with recommendations in an Annual Report to the Minister for Lands, to be considered by Parliament.

So, what would public domain designation mean for these sites?

The law introduced last year imposes a burden on the State to protect public domain sites for future generations, safeguarding them against unsustainable development, commercialisation and environmental destruction.

Private property rights are not affected by the law, but owners may have to prove their land was legitimately acquired and registered, clarifying false claims of ownership and situations where public access is abusively blocked.

Moreover, the State cannot freely negotiate public domain sites with third parties (as it can with public land), but must ensure the preservation of public rights for future generations.

Under the law, the foreshore is automatically categorised as public domain while other areas and property, including valleys, squares, woods, forts, nature reserves and cultural artefacts, can be proposed for listing.

Ċittadella
The Gozo Citadel was recently restored. Partly funded by the EU, restoration included a clean-up and consolidation works on the bastions, important buildings and facades within the old town.

Ħondoq ir-Rummien
The public domain proposal on the picturesque bay includes a large quarry targeted for a major touristic development, recently rejected by the PA but now the subject of an appeal.

Ta’ Ċenċ
Plans for a villa complex in the Sannat countryside, close to Mġarr ix-Xini and the imposing cliffs, have been presented in various forms for nearly 20 years, invariably to strong public opposition.

Coastline between Ġnejna and Mtaħleb
The remote western coast – including Fomm ir-Riħ, Ras ir-Raħeb and Qlejgħa – has been plagued by problems of public access for years. The nearby historical site at Simblija has faced similar issues and is also proposed for inclusion.

Beaches between St George’s Bay and Tigné Point
Large parts of the popular stretch of coastline are leased out to third parties. Plans have recently been announced to seek public-private partnerships to upgrade a further stretch between Chalet and Qui-si-Sana.

Manoel Island
The island, under concession to Midi, has been at the centre of controversy since protests erupted over public access to the foreshore. Access has since been restored but anger remains over plans for large-scale luxury development.

Villa Guardamanġia, Pietà
The privately-owned, scheduled villa in Pietà was once the home of Queen Elizabeth II but is today in a dilapidated state. NGOs have called for it to be expropriated and restored.

Wied Garnaw
The protected valley, between Santa Luċija and Luqa, has been targeted for the development of a new residence for elderly people. Residents and NGOs hope public domain designation can halt this.

St Thomas Bay (Marsascala) to Delimara Point
The southern coastline takes in scenic swimming spots but is also a haven for illegal developments, hunting and trapping with public access often suffering.

Other proposed sites

▪ Valletta coastline and St Elmo
▪ Green areas outside Floriana bastions
▪ Il-Ballut tal-Wardija, St Paul’s Bay
▪ Wied iż-Żurrieq to Għar Lapsi
▪ Imġiebaħ, Mellieħa
▪ Ħas Saptan and Wied Żembaq
▪ Indawar National Park (including Żonqor Point)
▪ Comino
▪ Three trees, Ta’ Xbiex

Note: Some sites either overlap or duplicate proposals by other parties.