Towards a better environment

Putting the environment on top of this country's agenda! A bold statement by an ambitious administration which has set for itself targets aimed at improving the citizens' quality of life. Together with a sustainable economy and better education, the environment is one of the pillars of the government's programme.

Progress is being registered on all fronts and the government is investing heavily in the necessary infrastructure for the treatment of liquid and solid waste. A full development permit for the upgrading of Sant'Antnin was issued and two engineered landfills were developed in the waste management complex at Ghallis, one for municipal solid waste and the other for hazardous waste. A second civic amenity site will be opened tomorrow in Mriehel following the success of the first facility. Bring-in sites are on the increase and the response by the public is encouraging.

The biggest endorsement of the progress registered in the waste management sector came from European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. The Times (March 30) quoted him as saying that "a lot of effort and a lot of planning are being done so that Malta could better manage its waste. This is very important not only for Malta but also for the tourism industry".

A better quality of life signifies less inconvenience. To help towards this improved well-being, the government is determined to mitigate the impact caused by the construction industry. As a result, it has published draft construction site management regulations. We are evaluating the feedback received during the consultation period and will endeavour to publish the final version of the regulations and implement them in the shortest time possible.

Recreational space in Malta is extremely limited. The government has continued to invest in the Ta' Qali National Park, Kennedy Grove and Mellieha sites. It has also embarked on the massive undertaking to return the disused Maghtab dump into an area of recreational significance over a number of years.

The environment also comprises other areas, which are also important. In the area of nature and biodiversity, the government, in collaboration with a number of NGOs, has embarked on a series of initiatives to protect areas of high natural heritage value. Suffice to mention the recent launch of the Natural and Historical Park in the northwest of Malta and the conservation project for Xrobb l-Ghagin. During 2007, the target of the Tree-for-You (34U) campaign has been augmented to 20,000 trees.

Coastal waters support some of Malta's richest ecosystems. Monitoring programmes reveal that, since 2002, the overall water quality has improved and that all bathing sites comply with quality criteria. The government has also embarked on a series of initiatives to protect our marine environment and has partnered a number of NGOs in the formulation of plans for the conservation of the seas surrounding Dwejra (Gozo), L-Irdum tal-Madonna (Mellieha), Filfla, Irdum Majjiesa and Ras ir-Raheb (Ghajn Tuffieha). To continue improving our coastal waters, the government plans that, during this year, the sewage treatment plants for the north of Malta and that in Gozo will become operational.

Needless to say, air quality is an important aspect of a better and healthier quality of life and an increase in the technical resources for such monitoring is a step in the right direction.

Animal welfare is also an important aspect for environment protection. As promised in the last budget, the government has voted Lm60,000 so that an animal welfare centre will be developed. During the past weeks, plans for this centre have been submitted.

Improving the environment will not only ensure improved health, recreation and quality of life in general, but also bestow benefits on economic activity by enhancing the attractiveness of the Maltese islands as a tourism destination and by reducing costs to economic operators negatively impacted by pollution ranging from clean up costs to insurance. Such strong links will continue to entice this government to put the environment at the top of its national agenda in the forthcoming budget.

In our commitment towards the environment we know we can bank on the invaluable support of NGOs that work tirelessly and voluntarily in the environment sector. There may be instances where we differ, especially on the timing and the pace of certain measures introduced. It is also important that the government, and NGOs, continue to strive to build a stronger environmental conscience in the community, which is the best foundation we can hope for in our quest to have a more environmentally-aware society.

Mr Pullicino is Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment.