One of the innate feelings common to the majority of people is the sense of attachment, if not particular affection, to one's place of origin. It is one of those unexplained traits of human nature but definitely one which marks us all with a sense of identity and belonging.
The island of Gozo has a particularly captivating aura. Be its quaint size, its characteristic landscapes, the character of its people or other qualities, it draws to it not only those who call the island home but all those who, in one way or another, come into contact with it. In my experience as Minister for Gozo, I can bear witness to the great interest shown in the well-being of this island not only by the Gozitan public but also by the Maltese and foreigners too. A genuine interest, keen in seeing that Gozo safeguards all that is positive in its character while further refining its offer for continued growth and success.
A successful future for this island depends a lot on this common interest. The government is committed to creating space for all those who wish to partake in the continued development of our country and is actively seeking to translate this principle into action. The initiative we launched yesterday as a first step in the shaping of the Eco-Gozo vision is a case in point.
Being aware of the great wealth of experience, knowledge and inventiveness that surround us we have made a conscious decision to launch a wide stakeholder consultation process before the Eco-Gozo strategy is even defined.
Eco-Gozo is a concept which summarises the government's vision for the future of this island. It is a vision which aims at transforming Gozo and Gozitan society into a sustainable reality in its wider sense - not only environmentally but also socially and economically. It stems from the government's Vision 2015 for the Maltese Islands - an ambitious vision for our country focusing on specific sectors, including Gozo, with a high potential for guaranteeing our country's success in the years ahead. It is a new way of looking at Gozo and its future, banking on the island's strengths and tapping its attractive potential for the benefit of the island's inhabitants, its visitors and investors.
This is an idea with the potential of transforming Gozo. It will be achieved through innovative projects and ideas but also by strengthening and better coordinating already-existing efforts. These include quality and the promotion of local produce, the revitalisation of our traditional agriculture, the protection of our environment, the quest for more quality jobs, higher quality in our tourism offer, education and research, waste management and the protection of our cultural heritage.
It is a new idea but, at the same time, it draws strength from what we have achieved so far - the completion of the Gozo sewage treatment plant, which now guarantees a clean coastal area, the closure of the San Blas Bay sewage outfall, the closure of the Xagħra landfill and the huge investment for the introduction of eco-friendly waste management practices, investment in the promotion of the development of our traditional crafts, the training of our workforce and many other measures we have implemented during the past legislatures.
The Eco-Gozo venture presents us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance our charming island and lead it towards a sustainable future, resulting in success and a better quality of life for all those who come in touch with Gozo. An island retaining its serene atmosphere and safety, generating peace of mind; where the environment is protected and accessible to all; where everyone is presented with opportunities; and where each person remains at the core of progress and development.
We are proposing a number of strategic objectives for the Eco-Gozo vision. Through it, we want to ensure that all will benefit from a better quality of life; a society exerting less pressure on the environment; a wholesome natural and cultural environment; more sustainable jobs; a caring society for all; more quality investment and an enhancement of the island's identity.
This strategy will touch on all aspects of Gozitan life and, therefore, will affect you too. We believe that, to ensure success, the government cannot plan to take this path alone. Everybody is called to the front line to project our Gozo of tomorrow. We are known to be proud of our island, and rightly so. Now we are presented with the opportunity to shape its future together.
The wide stakeholder consultation we have launched will make this possible. We hope that this campaign will provide the right medium for anyone to make contact with us regarding this initiative. You are invited to share your dream with us: whether it is an idea for a slogan for the Eco-Gozo vision; a particular project; or interest in investing in our island. You can reach us through our dedicated consultation website www.eco-gozo.gov.mt, e-mail info@eco-gozo.gov.mt or through the form attached to a promotional leaflet we have distributed to households in Gozo.
I look forward to receiving your contribution towards the shaping of our collective vision for our Gozo of the future.
Mrs Debono is Minister for Gozo.