NGOs urge action to protect Gozo temple site

A wide alliance of Maltese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has made an urgent and official request for immediate government action to prevent what they describe as the ongoing destruction of archaeological remains in the vicinity of the Sta Verna Temple in Xagħra, Gozo. In a public statement released on Sunday, the coalition emphasized that the situation involves not only national interest but also international responsibility, given the historical significance of the site.

The coalition includes Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Għawdix, Moviment Graffitti, Ramblers Association of Malta, Vuci Kollettiva, and Wirt Għawdex—organizations well known for their environmental, historical, and cultural advocacy in the Maltese Islands. Their joint concern points to ongoing development activity near the Sta Verna Temple, allegedly taking place without adequate archaeological safeguards or permits, resulting in the irreversible loss of cultural heritage.

The historical importance of the Sta Verna Temple

The Sta Verna Temple is considered one of the oldest archaeological sites in Malta, believed to predate even the famous Ġgantija Temples, which themselves are among the world’s oldest freestanding structures. Situated in the culturally rich area of Xagħra in Gozo, Sta Verna has long been recognized for its deep archaeological significance.

Despite its documented historical importance, the site remains relatively understudied, and much of its archaeological potential remains unexplored. This makes any destruction in the area particularly concerning, as it may result in the loss of crucial historical data that could contribute to a deeper understanding of Malta's prehistoric societies.

Allegations of unauthorized development and destruction

According to the NGO coalition, several plots of land surrounding the Sta Verna Temple are currently undergoing construction activities, allegedly without valid planning permits. Among the plots cited are 22A, 22B, 21A—associated with Planning Authority file PA 05171/23—as well as Plot 14, Plot 15, and a portion of Plot 16. These areas are reported to be the locations where bone remains were uncovered, but the NGOs claim they are being bulldozed daily with “complete impunity.”

Furthermore, the NGOs allege that a permit was granted for the construction of stables in the area based on an inaccurate claim of land ownership. The application reportedly asserted that the land belonged to the applicant, whereas, according to the NGOs, it is in fact public property owned by the government. They are urging the immediate suspension of that permit and a review of all related development permissions.

Discovery of human remains triggers formal complaints

The matter came to light after local residents observed what appeared to be bones at one of the sites and alerted FAA. The NGO later filed an official report with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH), the authority responsible for safeguarding and managing Malta’s cultural heritage and historic locations.

Photographs taken at the site and shared with SCH appear to show a pit filled with bones, as well as scattered bone fragments along an access ramp. These discoveries were reportedly confirmed by the site’s archaeologist, lending further credibility to the residents’ and NGOs’ concerns.

In an email dated 8 April 2023, the JB Arch Team—an archaeological consultancy firm contracted to monitor the works—acknowledged the discovery of bones in three separate areas and noted that a 3D model of the remains had been created. However, they also admitted that no formal analysis of the bones had been conducted at that point in time. The team further referenced the collapse of a cave roof and linked the incident to an earlier, unnamed archaeological investigation.

Legal framework and duties under Maltese law

In their appeal, the coalition of NGOs specifically referenced Chapter 445 of Malta’s Cultural Heritage Act. According to this legislation: “Every citizen of Malta as well as every person present in Malta, shall have the duty of protecting cultural heritage.” This legal duty encompasses the obligation to preserve, uphold, and take necessary action to safeguard cultural heritage whenever required.

In addition to national legislation, the NGOs are calling for the application of international commitments such as the Council of Europe Landscape Convention. They insist that the Planning Authority, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, and other responsible government bodies must act in full compliance with both domestic and international standards for heritage conservation.

Call for an Emergency Conservation Order and official investigation

Given the gravity of the situation, the NGOs are urging the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to issue an Emergency Conservation Order (ECO) for the Sta Verna area. Such an order would mandate the immediate suspension of all construction activity and facilitate comprehensive archaeological assessments of the affected and surrounding sites.

The coalition is also calling for the recovery and preservation of any material that has already been dumped or otherwise removed from the area. These materials, which may include human remains, pottery shards, and other artifacts, are seen as integral to understanding the historical context of the site.

Moreover, the NGOs have raised concerns about potential concealment of additional discoveries. They suggest that other archaeological features—possibly including an additional tomb—may have been uncovered but not reported. This raises further alarm about possible breaches of both ethical and legal responsibilities by developers or involved parties.

Government response and accountability demands

As of now, there has been no official public statement from the Prime Minister’s Office or the Minister responsible for Cultural Heritage in response to the NGOs’ appeal. The coalition is urging both to step in immediately and take decisive action to prevent further destruction of the site.

In particular, the NGOs stress that government agencies must enforce existing legal frameworks and halt unauthorized development in protected or potentially sensitive areas. They contend that allowing such developments to continue would not only endanger the country’s archaeological heritage but also undermine public trust in heritage conservation institutions.

Broader implications for Malta’s cultural identity

The NGO coalition's appeal concludes with a warning that the destruction occurring at Sta Verna represents more than a local issue. “This is not just Malta’s heritage, it is world heritage that is being lost,” the statement reads.

This sentiment is underscored by the growing recognition of Malta as a custodian of significant prehistoric sites, many of which are still being studied and understood. The coalition argues that failure to protect sites like Sta Verna could tarnish Malta’s international reputation in the field of cultural preservation.

A call to citizens and civil society

The NGOs are also calling upon Maltese citizens to support efforts to protect the Sta Verna site and to hold both private developers and public authorities accountable. They emphasize that heritage conservation is a collective duty, enshrined in law and rooted in national identity.

Through public awareness, legal advocacy, and policy reform, the NGOs hope to create a more robust and transparent system for preserving Malta’s irreplaceable cultural assets.

Conclusion

The situation unfolding near the Sta Verna Temple in Gozo represents a critical moment for cultural heritage protection in Malta. With one of the island’s most ancient and potentially significant archaeological sites at risk, the calls from NGOs for urgent intervention are not merely precautionary—they are essential. Allegations of unpermitted development, mishandling of archaeological remains, and possible concealment of discoveries highlight systemic shortcomings that could lead to irreversible damage if left unaddressed.

Malta, as a nation with a rich and globally recognized historical legacy, has a legal and moral obligation to safeguard its cultural assets. This responsibility extends not only to government institutions but to all sectors of society, including developers, archaeologists, and the general public. The case of Sta Verna underscores the need for stronger oversight, transparent processes, and the enforcement of heritage laws to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Ultimately, preserving the Sta Verna site is not simply about protecting stones or bones—it is about respecting the identity, history, and dignity of a civilization whose echoes still shape the Maltese Islands today. Any further development must proceed with the utmost caution and only after rigorous archaeological evaluation. Anything less would constitute a disservice not only to Maltese citizens but to the shared heritage of humanity.

FAQs

What is the Sta Verna Temple and why is it important?
The Sta Verna Temple is a prehistoric archaeological site in Gozo believed to be older than the Ġgantija Temples, making it one of Malta’s oldest cultural landmarks.

What are the NGOs alleging in this case?
The NGOs claim that development near the Sta Verna site is occurring without proper permits and is destroying archaeological remains, including human bones and ancient structures.

Who is responsible for protecting the site?
Under Maltese law, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is responsible for overseeing such sites, alongside the Planning Authority and other government bodies.

Has the site been officially excavated?
While some archaeological assessments have taken place, the site is still largely unstudied, making ongoing construction particularly damaging due to the risk of losing undiscovered heritage.

What legal protections exist for sites like Sta Verna?
Sites like Sta Verna are protected under the Cultural Heritage Act, which mandates the preservation of historical areas and assigns legal duties to citizens and officials.

What is an Emergency Conservation Order (ECO)?
An ECO is a legal instrument that halts all activity in an area to protect cultural heritage and allows for immediate conservation and study of the site.

Were any bones actually found at the site?
Yes, bones were discovered in multiple areas at the site, and this was confirmed by the contracted archaeological team and photographic evidence.

Why do the NGOs believe there is a risk of concealment?
The NGOs suggest that other archaeological discoveries may have occurred but were not reported, raising concerns about transparency and compliance.

What should the government do next?
The NGOs recommend halting all construction near Sta Verna, revoking questionable permits, and launching a full investigation into any illegal activities or oversights.

How can the public help protect cultural heritage?
Citizens can report suspicious activities, support NGOs advocating for preservation, and pressure officials to enforce heritage laws.