A public consultation meeting on the contents of the draft National Report on Sustainable Development was held yesterday at the New Dolmen Hotel in Qawra.
The report is aimed at reviewing Malta`s progress in implementing sustainable development since the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
It has been drawn up for the 2002 World Summit for Sustainable Development by a team of consultants, engaged by the Environment Ministry, with Prof. Lino Briguglio as lead author.
The first draft of the report was completed in March and the final version is to be presented by the government during the 2002 World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, in September.
The report goes into considerable detail on what Malta has done to promote sustainable development in line with Agenda 21, identifying shortcomings and proposing a way forward, the parliamentary secretary in the Environment Ministry, George Pullicino, said.
Mr Pullicino said Agenda 21 - the action plan that has to be carried out by the 178 governments which ratified it in Brazil 10 years ago - has had a positive effect on Malta and has stimulated the authorities to tackle and seek public participation in sustainable development issues.
Since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, laws have been enacted and policies adopted to promote sustainable development in Malta in line with the provisions of Agenda 21.
The greatest challenge ahead was the implementation of Agenda 21 on a local level through a strategic programme, with the participation of non-governmental organisations, Mr Pullicino said.
The major achievement over the last decade was probably the increase in public participation in the country`s planning issues, he said.
The report would be subject to scrutiny by constituted bodies, voluntary associations and the public until the first week of June for their comments and feedback so that the final
document would form the guidelines for the country`s direction.
The draft report is divided into six chapters, including background to the Maltese Islands; major environmental issues, remedial action taken and the way forward; promoting public awareness and strengthening roles of major groups; and Malta`s contribution to the international community.
www.mha.gov.mt/maltanationalreport.pdf