Building tops list of heritage concerns

The public is urging decision-makers to stop construction, ensure there is sustainable water and to stop destroying trees, according to an online survey being carried out by Din L-Art Ħelwa.

One week after the survey’s launch, these are, so far, the top three concerns out of a list of 12 which the public is being asked to rank in order of priority.

Through this survey, politicians will be given an inkling into which natural and cultural heritage issues people think should be tackled urgently.

“The data captured will indicate the priorities you believe politicians should set themselves in their programme for the nation,” Simone Mizzi, executive president of the heritage NGO, said.

The issues listed in the survey include the need to dedicate more funds to enhancing built heritage and national monuments, having a strategy to deal with environmental catastrophes, saving the national memory, stopping illegal hunting and meeting targets for alternative energy and reduction of waste.

“During an election campaign politicians will invariably concentrate on those issues that will attract most votes. I do believe that all parties are in agreement on the importance of safe-guarding our natural and cultural resources as these are crucial for our quality of life and for our economy.

“The results from the DLĦ online polling survey will tell what is top of mind right now for our natural and cultural heritage... We trust our decision-makers will take note. They can do so much to bring about change and improve our quality of life,” she said, urging the public to fill in the survey.

The online survey is at http://dinlarthelwa.org/public-survey , where updated results are also found.