Proposal to separate Mepa directorates

The environmental NGO Nature Trust (Malta) has called on the government to buy private land in coastal areas or on land of ecological and scientific importance and pass it on for conservation.

In a series of proposals for the Budget, Nature Trust said a number of measures could enable the government improve its revenue system.

These include a properly functioning local warden and green warden system; tax rebates for companies who introduce pro-environment measures or sponsor conservation work; increasing tax on the use of pesticides and nationwide permits for activities such as camping and BBQs.

The NGO also suggested a separation of Mepa's environment and planning directorates as the latter, it said, was crushing the former in the decisions taken.

It would also like to see a narrowing of the job description of the Administrative Law Enforcement Unit of the police.