When politicians must take the rap

The Mediterranean environmental report published jointly by the European Environment Agency and the Unep Mediterranean Action Plan as reported by Ivan Camilleri from Brussels (November 10) highlights the grave environmental issues in the south of Malta, while pointing out that "43 per cent of Malta's 190-kilometre coastline is heavily utilised with a built-up area comprising 24 per cent of the coast".

The detailed report, covering the whole Mediterranean region, reiterates the Ramblers Association's assertion that unless there is the political will to enforce current and future legislation the unprecedented situation will not improve. In other words, politicians should also be accountable for sins of omission. This admonition from such influential agencies applies not only to the marine environment but also to all other environmental issues plaguing the Maltese countryside and coastal zones, which were, are and will still be at the mercy of the land grabbers unless appropriate legislation and enforcement come into force with immediate effect.

Fully conscious of this grave situation, so detrimental to the much-vaunted "a better quality of life" slogan as well as the tourist potential, the Ramblers Association of Malta has recently petitioned Parliament to initiate an in-depth study and discussion in the highest institution in the land regarding the opening up of coastal zones, foreshore and pathways that belong to us all.

We would also appreciate some enlightenment regarding the issue of a definite map of the Maltese islands identifying public and private pathways, right of way, access to beaches and coastal zones in conformity with the laws of all civilised countries. Such a map will also save our association embarrassing situations as we try to answer queries from prospective visitors to Malta.

After the massive support at the general meeting a few weeks ago, the Ramblers' Association is fully committed to preserve what is left of our countryside for future generations in the firm belief that a better quality of life will only be achieved through a healthy lifestyle of which rambling is a very important component.