Children voice environmental concerns in letters to minister

Children from 14 schools today expressed their environmental concerns Environment Minister Mario de Marco, who, in turn, explained to the children how the government was tackling these issues.

The event - Dear Minister! - is an annual activity organised by BirdLife Malta and Bank of Valletta. It is one of 30 green activities in the Dinja Waħda environmental education programme for primary schools. It was this year held at the Malta Tourism Authority’s head office in Auberge d’Italie.

The children read letters they wrote, in which they raised their concerns about a range of environmental issues, including marine pollution, waste management, protection of wild animals and countryside management.

The winning letter, selected by a panel of judges, written by McAlister Azzopardi from St Michael School. McAlister asked for more educational campaigns among children and adults to increase awareness about animal protection. He appealed for the introduction of harsher penalties for those caught breaking the laws, and for more Green Wardens to enforce them.

The Minister praised both the children who sent in letters and the schools which encouraged participation in the project.