Government launches light pollution guidelines to improve Maltese urban, rural environment
The Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning has issued a public consultation on light pollution guidelines, which are to improve the Maltese urban and rural environment.
“Light is crucial, when there is no light we realise the repercussions and importance light has on our daily lives,” explained the Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia. “When artificial light is used badly, this can have serious effects on our daily lives, but also on our surrounding environment, fauna and flora.”
On Tuesday morning, the Minister announced the public consultation while at Miġra L-Ferħa, on the outskirts of Rabat.
The guidelines were published for the general public and NGOs, to be able to have their say. Farrugia explained that the guidelines were published after a period of consultation and discussion between the Planning Authority and the Environment and Resources Authority.
The public consultation on light pollution guidelines will be open for the next six weeks and any comments can be posted on the ERA’s website.
“Slovenia, Croatia, Spain are countries which already have similar guidelines and legislation on light pollution. France too, will be implementing similar legislation by next January.”
Martin Saliba, Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority explained that consultation regarding the guidelines on light pollution took over a year. “We are aware of the impact of light pollution on our environment and our lives, and we want to raise awareness of artificial light on our lives and our surrounding biodiversity.” He explained that the guidelines will look into reducing or regulating such artificial light. He said that there is a proposal that big planning projects will also have to fill out a light pollution report, which will study how the light which will emanate from the building will have an impact on the areas surrounding it.
Michelle Piccinino, Chief Executive Officer of ERA described a specific example of how artificial light can affect the environment. “Artificial light on our coast can have a huge impact on birds which are migrating, and certain birds can be distracted by such bright light that disrupts the flight route of a species.” She emphasised that the guidelines are not just focused on the impact artificial light has on urban areas or people, but also on the rural and coastal areas.