Petition No.: 3 Signatures: 582 Sign Petition
Fifteenth Legislature (2026- )
Details - Online
Title
Protect Malta's Public Land and Natural Heritage in Pembroke for Us and Future Generations
Date
25-06-2026
Date petition closes for signatures
10-10-2026
Creator of petition
DAVID-JOHN ZAMMIT
Grievance
Protect Malta's Public Land and Natural Heritage in Pembroke for Us and Future Generations
To the Honourable Members of Parliament, the Government of Malta, and the Relevant Public Authorities,
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Malta, express our strong opposition to the transfer of a substantial area of virgin public land in Pembroke through Parliamentary Motion 472 for stadium development.
We call upon Parliament and the Government to reverse this transfer, or where not legally possible, halt the project and identify alternative locations on already-developed land.
An Irreplaceable National Loss
The land in question is one of Malta's remaining substantial areas of undeveloped natural land. Its loss would not simply affect Pembroke; it would represent a permanent loss for all Maltese citizens and future generations.
This land forms part of our shared natural heritage. Once built upon, it can never be restored. At a time when Malta faces intense development pressure and a growing shortage of open spaces, protecting remaining virgin land should be a national priority.
The site is adjacent to a Natura 2000 protected area, highlighting its ecological importance. There is a strong argument that this land should itself be incorporated into the Natura 2000 network, ensuring greater protection for its habitats, biodiversity, and environmental value.
Any proposal affecting this site should be subject to rigorous assessments, including a Habitats Directive Article 6(3) Appropriate Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, Health Impact Assessment, and Disability Impact Assessment, along with cumulative impact, landscape and visual impact, and biodiversity net-gain evaluations.
These assessments are not procedural formalities but essential safeguards to ensure ecological integrity, public health, accessibility, and long-term environmental sustainability are properly considered before any irreversible decisions are taken.
To the Honourable Members of Parliament, the Government of Malta, and the Relevant Public Authorities,
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Malta, express our strong opposition to the transfer of a substantial area of virgin public land in Pembroke through Parliamentary Motion 472 for stadium development.
We call upon Parliament and the Government to reverse this transfer, or where not legally possible, halt the project and identify alternative locations on already-developed land.
An Irreplaceable National Loss
The land in question is one of Malta's remaining substantial areas of undeveloped natural land. Its loss would not simply affect Pembroke; it would represent a permanent loss for all Maltese citizens and future generations.
This land forms part of our shared natural heritage. Once built upon, it can never be restored. At a time when Malta faces intense development pressure and a growing shortage of open spaces, protecting remaining virgin land should be a national priority.
The site is adjacent to a Natura 2000 protected area, highlighting its ecological importance. There is a strong argument that this land should itself be incorporated into the Natura 2000 network, ensuring greater protection for its habitats, biodiversity, and environmental value.
Any proposal affecting this site should be subject to rigorous assessments, including a Habitats Directive Article 6(3) Appropriate Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, Health Impact Assessment, and Disability Impact Assessment, along with cumulative impact, landscape and visual impact, and biodiversity net-gain evaluations.
These assessments are not procedural formalities but essential safeguards to ensure ecological integrity, public health, accessibility, and long-term environmental sustainability are properly considered before any irreversible decisions are taken.
Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to
A Responsibility Towards Future Generations
We ask that public authorities recognise their responsibility to future generations, who will inherit a country with fewer natural spaces and less biodiversity, and that decisions prioritise long-term stewardship of Malta's natural assets over short-term interests.
Honouring Environmental Commitments
We request that the Government honour the environmental pledges made during recent electoral campaigns. The transfer of virgin land for development appears inconsistent with those commitments, and we ask that Malta's natural environment and public open spaces receive the protection that was promised.
Protecting Pembroke and Surrounding Communities
We ask that the impact on Pembroke and neighbouring localities be fully considered. We request that increased noise, light pollution, and changes to community character not be imposed on residents without thorough consultation and mitigation.
Addressing Traffic Congestion
We request that the burden of additional traffic not be placed on an already heavily congested road network. Stadiums generate significant traffic daily, not only during events, and we ask that the impact on residents and commuters across northern Malta be treated as a serious planning constraint.
Safeguarding Schools and Vulnerable Groups
We ask that the proximity of schools, childcare centres, and facilities for persons with special needs be given the highest priority, and that no decision be taken without a full assessment of risks posed by increased traffic, noise, and pollution to children and vulnerable members of society.
Protecting the Natura 2000 Site
We request that Malta's moral and legal duty to protect environmentally sensitive areas be upheld, and that potential indirect impacts on neighbouring protected habitats and biodiversity be rigorously assessed.
We ask that public authorities recognise their responsibility to future generations, who will inherit a country with fewer natural spaces and less biodiversity, and that decisions prioritise long-term stewardship of Malta's natural assets over short-term interests.
Honouring Environmental Commitments
We request that the Government honour the environmental pledges made during recent electoral campaigns. The transfer of virgin land for development appears inconsistent with those commitments, and we ask that Malta's natural environment and public open spaces receive the protection that was promised.
Protecting Pembroke and Surrounding Communities
We ask that the impact on Pembroke and neighbouring localities be fully considered. We request that increased noise, light pollution, and changes to community character not be imposed on residents without thorough consultation and mitigation.
Addressing Traffic Congestion
We request that the burden of additional traffic not be placed on an already heavily congested road network. Stadiums generate significant traffic daily, not only during events, and we ask that the impact on residents and commuters across northern Malta be treated as a serious planning constraint.
Safeguarding Schools and Vulnerable Groups
We ask that the proximity of schools, childcare centres, and facilities for persons with special needs be given the highest priority, and that no decision be taken without a full assessment of risks posed by increased traffic, noise, and pollution to children and vulnerable members of society.
Protecting the Natura 2000 Site
We request that Malta's moral and legal duty to protect environmentally sensitive areas be upheld, and that potential indirect impacts on neighbouring protected habitats and biodiversity be rigorously assessed.
Closing remarks
This issue goes far beyond the construction of sports facilities. It concerns the permanent loss of one of Malta's last areas of virgin land, the well-being of Pembroke residents, the protection of children and vulnerable persons, and the environmental legacy we leave behind.
Malta is one of the most densely developed countries in Europe, and its remaining natural spaces are precious, finite, and irreplaceable. This land belongs to the people of Malta, once lost, it is lost forever, and no short-term interest can justify that loss. Public authorities have a profound responsibility not only to those who elected them, but to generations yet to come.
We therefore respectfully but firmly call upon Parliament and the Government to:
1. Reverse the transfer of Pembroke land approved through Parliamentary Motion 472.
2. If reversal is not legally possible, immediately suspend implementation pending a full and independent review of all environmental, social, health, and traffic impacts.
3. Preserve the site as public open space for the benefit of present and future generations.
4. Protect nearby residents, schools, childcare facilities, and vulnerable community members from the negative impacts of overdevelopment.
5. Safeguard the ecological integrity of the neighbouring Natura 2000 site and ensure no development proceeds that could directly or indirectly harm its protected habitats and biodiversity.
We call upon the Government to ensure every necessary safeguard is applied without exception, upholding Malta's obligations under European environmental law, listening to affected communities, and placing long-term environmental protection above short-term political or commercial considerations.
Malta's natural spaces cannot defend themselves. We urge Parliament and the Government to rise to that responsibility and take every step necessary to safeguard what little natural heritage we have left.
This land belongs to all of us. Protect Malta's natural heritage. Protect our land. Protect our future.
Malta is one of the most densely developed countries in Europe, and its remaining natural spaces are precious, finite, and irreplaceable. This land belongs to the people of Malta, once lost, it is lost forever, and no short-term interest can justify that loss. Public authorities have a profound responsibility not only to those who elected them, but to generations yet to come.
We therefore respectfully but firmly call upon Parliament and the Government to:
1. Reverse the transfer of Pembroke land approved through Parliamentary Motion 472.
2. If reversal is not legally possible, immediately suspend implementation pending a full and independent review of all environmental, social, health, and traffic impacts.
3. Preserve the site as public open space for the benefit of present and future generations.
4. Protect nearby residents, schools, childcare facilities, and vulnerable community members from the negative impacts of overdevelopment.
5. Safeguard the ecological integrity of the neighbouring Natura 2000 site and ensure no development proceeds that could directly or indirectly harm its protected habitats and biodiversity.
We call upon the Government to ensure every necessary safeguard is applied without exception, upholding Malta's obligations under European environmental law, listening to affected communities, and placing long-term environmental protection above short-term political or commercial considerations.
Malta's natural spaces cannot defend themselves. We urge Parliament and the Government to rise to that responsibility and take every step necessary to safeguard what little natural heritage we have left.
This land belongs to all of us. Protect Malta's natural heritage. Protect our land. Protect our future.