Taking care of the natural environment is not only for the romantics. It increases our tourism potential. It is our heritage too and adds to our quality of life. It is free to be enjoyed by all, poor and rich.

The natural beauty of Gozo is strongly promoted. But the protection of outside development zones there should be taken more seriously.

One can spot development started illegally such as batching plants and yards for construction machinery. Too often, a blind eye is turned and a blessing given afterwards.

Now the government is proposing new regulations on ODZ. However, the big money is on the side of the developers and flies are attracted to the honey pot. Developers have the experts on their side who are able to interpret the law and also to find loopholes within.

The Church is mostly silent on these matters. And Mepa, which should be the protector, is a weak one at best.

There is a need for stricter, more transparent regulations.

Regulations are not enforced and change according to mood. Even Armier is becoming legal. So the tourism accommodation at agrotourism sites could well become something bigger.

We always seem to slide down the slippery slope.

Let’s not forget that services have to be installed: sewage, electricity, water and so on.

And will there be a repeat of what happens when new roads are built or when the Gozo racetrack was made: debris is thrown on the garigue or good arable land disturbing the habitat?

I am very sceptical that the new regulations regarding ODZ are there to help farmers. I smell a very big rat.