Stop developing the countryside, NGOs insist

Eight environmental organisations are calling on the government to stop developing the countryside. "Although Mepa regulations stipulate that only bona fide agricultural structures, parks and recreational facilities are normally permitted to be built...

Eight environmental organisations are calling on the government to stop developing the countryside.

"Although Mepa regulations stipulate that only bona fide agricultural structures, parks and recreational facilities are normally permitted to be built outside development zones, NGOs are dismayed to see that these permits include flats, garages and light industries," the NGOs said yesterday.

The statement was issued by Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth, Malta Organic Agriculture Movement, Light Pollution Awareness Group, Ramblers Association of Malta, the Save Wied Garnaw Group, Birdlife, Nature Trust and the Gaia Foundation.

Over the past six months, Mepa has approved 318 permits to build structures in the countryside or ODZ, many of which are to be built on fresh agricultural land, the NGOs said.

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