NGOs: Sliema Lido Reclamation ‘A Disaster in the Making’

Imagine strolling along Sliema’s bustling promenade, the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sea a fiery orange. Now, picture that view marred by a towering wall of concrete and glass. This isn’t a dystopian fantasy, but a very real possibility if recent land reclamation plans for Sliema Lido go ahead.

Reclamation: A New Low in Sliema?

In a move that has environmentalists and locals up in arms, the Planning Authority has given the green light to a massive land reclamation project at Sliema Lido. The plans, submitted by local developers, propose to reclaim a vast chunk of the sea to build a sprawling complex of luxury apartments and commercial spaces.

The proposed development, a stone’s throw from the historic Sliema Ferries, would see the sea reclaimed to create a new plot of land, effectively expanding Sliema’s coastline. But not everyone is thrilled about this coastal makeover. Environmental NGOs have slammed the plans, calling them ‘pure madness’ and a ‘disaster in the making’.

NGOs Sound the Alarm

BirdLife Malta, the country’s leading bird conservation organisation, has been vocal in its opposition to the project. “This is a catastrophe waiting to happen,” says Nicholas Barbara, the organisation’s director. “Sliema Lido is a crucial stopover site for migratory birds. This development will destroy vital habitat and put thousands of birds at risk.”

Other NGOs, including the Maltese Islands’ branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), have echoed these concerns. “We’re already seeing the impacts of climate change on our coasts,” says WWF’s CEO, Alfredo Baldacchino. “Now, we’re considering a project that will exacerbate these impacts and destroy one of Malta’s last remaining stretches of natural coastline.”

Local Residents: ‘Not in Our Backyard’

It’s not just environmentalists raising the alarm. Local residents have also been quick to voice their opposition. “We moved here for the sea views,” says Maria Grech, a Sliema resident of 20 years. “Now, they want to build a concrete jungle right in front of our eyes. It’s ridiculous.”

Residents have formed a Facebook group, ‘Sliema Lido: Not for Sale’, to coordinate their opposition to the project. They plan to hold a protest march along Sliema’s promenade later this month.

What’s Next?

The project’s fate now rests with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), which will decide whether to grant an environmental permit. If the permit is granted, the project could go ahead, despite the outcry from environmentalists and locals.

“We’re not giving up without a fight,” says Barbara. “We’ll be making our voices heard, loud and clear, at the ERA’s public consultation. We urge everyone who cares about Malta’s environment to do the same.”

So, the future of Sliema Lido hangs in the balance. Will it remain a vital stretch of coastline, home to migratory birds and beloved by locals and tourists alike? Or will it become a concrete jungle, a stark reminder of a missed opportunity to protect Malta’s natural heritage?