The government will be drafting and implementing an action plan against air pollution throughout this year, Environment Minister Leo Brincat said yesterday.

The drafting process will begin once the Authority for Environment and Resources is set up.

The minister also said that the government is currently drafting a memorandum of understanding with the Italian government to further cooperation on the issue of air pollution.

Mr Brincat also said that work on splitting the planning and environmental arms of Mepa was at an advanced state, and that a public consultation will be held.

Referring to waste management, Mr Brincat said that the government had not only drafted a strategy on waste management and waste reduction but did so after carrying out a strategic environmental assessment.

Although the strategy was subject to revisions every three years, a stakeholders’ group will be set up next month to monitor the drafting of the plan itself.

Work on splitting the planning and environmental arms of Mepa was at an advanced state

Meanwhile, in an initiative rolled out yesterday by the Environment Minister, secondary school students are being urged to come up with proposals on the way a locality of their choice can adopt the principles involving sustainability, pro-environment and the green economy.

The project is called: ‘Voice of the Student: because I care about my surroundings’.

Mr Brincat stressed that students have an important contribution to give through fresh and innovative ideas. Secondary school students will be working on a voluntary basis with teachers to come up with favourable environmental practices which may be adopted by a locality.

Each school will have a person responsible for guiding students in drafting their proposals. The proposals will then be analysed and evaluated by a board specially appointed by the ministry.

The chosen proposals will then be displayed in an exhibition.

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