The government-appointed Climate Action board started meeting today but the representative of environmental groups stayed away, observing a boycott over the government’s hunting policies.

The law that created the board was approved unanimously by Parliament and came into force today.

The board groups representatives from every ministry and the MCESD and is tasked with monitoring Malta’s efforts to fulfill its obligations under the UN convention on climate change. It also advises government on the implementation of the Climate Change Act. 

At the start of the year, six environmental groups said they were boycotting the board following a legal notice linked to hunting abroad, which they deemed to be contradictory to government’s commitment to address climate change issues.

Environment Minister Leo Brincat this morning said green groups had missed the opportunity. “I respect their decision but they have an open invitation to nominate someone.”

Mr Brincat said the place reserved for environmental organizations would remain vacant, adding he did not feel it was right for him to pick and choose a representative.

“I was approached by individuals and other green organizations outside the coalition [that declared the boycott] who expressed a wish to be part of the board but I do not feel I should drive a wedge between them,” Mr Brincat said.

The board is chaired by Simone Borg, who serves as Malta’s climate change ambassador, with economist Philip Von Brockdorff serving as deputy chair.

Mr Brincat, who presided over the first meeting, said this was “a strategic and unique” board.

He said climate change action was not the responsibility of one ministry or sector and the board reflected the complexity of the issue.

Dr Borg said the creation of the board was “a huge leap forward” in climate action policy.

She said that after the UN Paris agreement Malta could not waste time in setting up a permanent structure to facilitate the implementation of its commitments.

“The formal structure shows Malta’s intention to be pro-active and not just reactive. It will help collect the body of information necessary to make decisions and will foster dialogue within the public sector on climate change issues,” she said.

See reasons for boycott below http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160109/local/board-hit-by-boycott-in-bird-protection-protest.598098