---
title: "NGOs Condemn Comino Tree Removal Permit, ERA Defends Decision"
date: 2026-08-10T17:01:29.923+00:00
updated: 2026-08-10T17:01:29.923+00:00
topics: ["Planning", "Environment", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-08-10/ngos-condemn-comino-tree-removal-permit-era-defends-decision
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# NGOs Condemn Comino Tree Removal Permit, ERA Defends Decision

## In brief

- Environmental NGOs, including Din l-Art Ħelwa, have strongly criticised the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) for approving the removal of trees on Comino.
- The NGOs described the permit, linked to a luxury resort development, as "environmental vandalism."
- ERA defended its decision, stating that the removed trees will be replaced with 540 new indigenous trees on the island.

Environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs), notably Din l-Art Ħelwa, have voiced strong criticism against the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) for its decision to approve a permit allowing the uprooting of approximately 800 trees on Comino. This action is intended to clear the way for a new luxury resort development on the island.

Din l-Art Ħelwa specifically accused the ERA of committing "environmental vandalism," arguing that the authority, which is tasked with protecting the environment, has instead betrayed its fundamental role. The NGO's statement highlighted the significant ecological impact of removing such a large number of trees from the sensitive island ecosystem.

The permit is directly linked to the proposed Six Senses Comino development, a project that has drawn considerable public scrutiny and opposition from various environmental groups. Critics argue that the scale of tree removal is disproportionate and will irrevocably alter Comino's natural landscape.

In response to the widespread outcry, the ERA issued a statement defending its decision. The authority clarified that the trees slated for removal would be replaced as part of the development's environmental obligations.

According to the ERA, the Hili Group, the developers behind the project, is contractually obliged to plant 540 new indigenous trees on Comino. This measure, the ERA stated, aims to mitigate the environmental impact and contribute to the island's biodiversity in the long term.

Despite the ERA's clarification and commitment to replanting, the NGOs maintain that the issue is far from resolved. They continue to highlight concerns about the loss of mature trees and the broader implications for Comino's unique natural heritage. The debate underscores ongoing tensions between large-scale development interests and the imperative of environmental protection in Malta.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** All outlets reported on the environmental NGOs' criticism of ERA's decision regarding Comino trees, with some also including ERA's defence.

## Sources (3)

- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/environment/din-l-art-helwa-slams-eras-comino-tree-decision-as-environmental-vandalism/)
- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/din-l-art-helwa-accuses-era-of-environmental-vandalism-over-comino-tree-permit/)
- [The Maltese Herald](https://themalteseherald.com/2026/08/10/era-issues-statement-on-trees-uprooting-in-comino-ngos-say-this-is-not-the-end-of-the-issue/)

## More stories

- [Environmental Authority Defends Comino Tree Uprooting Amidst Scientists' Concerns](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-08-11/environmental-authority-defends-comino-tree-uprooting-amidst-scientists-concerns) (2026-08-11)
- [Environmental Groups Urge Comino Protection Amid Development Concerns](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-08-09/environmental-groups-urge-comino-protection-amid-development-concerns) (2026-08-09)
- [ERA Mandates 540 New Trees for Comino Hotel Project](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-08-08/era-mandates-540-new-trees-comino-hotel-project) (2026-08-08)

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