The eco-Gozo project is a primary government objective and an 80-point action plan was tabled recommending how it will be implemented over the coming three years.
The allocation for 2010 is €5 million, building up to an expenditure of €25 million by 2012. The government promised Gozo would become an eco-island by 2020.
The action plan is the result of an "extensive" consultation process the government held over the last year, and the list of recommendations focuses on four priorities: economy, environment, society and identity. The 2010 Budget includes initiatives announced last year that were not implemented, namely the rehabilitation of the Gardens of Villa Rundle in the centre of Victoria with an investment of €1.3 million, and the establishment of a radiology unit at the Gozo hospital.
Additional investment in the Gozo hospital was announced including refurbishment works, new equipment and two new ambulances with an investment of €3.3 million.
The land known as Żwieqa in Mġarr will be transformed into a seashore promenade, with an investment of €1.3 million, while efforts will continue on the Citadel master plan. To better manage Gozo's solid waste, a waste transfer station for recycling is planned for next year. The only measure announced for next year that falls directly within the concept of an ecological island is the promise to improve Gozo's image by rehabilitating valleys and better environmental management - no further details were given.
The Gozitans did get priority for solar water heaters funding up to 40 per cent of expenditure, a maximum of €560. While beneficiaries in Malta were limited according to income, all Gozo residents can apply for the scheme.
The longer term environmental vision for Gozo is to increase its use of alternative energy sources, reduce its water footprint and serve as a pilot area where innovative waste management projects can be implemented and later mirrored in Malta.
The economic objectives for Gozo would seek to address its limitations in attracting foreign direct investment and enhance its strengths, particularly in the form of a competent and flexible workforce.
The sectors of education, culture, heritage and the arts will be strengthened to enhance an already strong Gozitan identity and culture. All this will help promote Gozo to tourists based on a strategy to exploit the eco-Gozo brand.
www.eco-gozo.com