I welcome the recent statement by Environment Minister Jose Herrera that an area in central Malta is earmarked to be transformed into a mini-Buskett through the planting of native trees and the encouragement of local wildlife.

This is certainly an encouraging indication that Dr Herrera intends to show that his ministry is different from that of his predecessor, Leo Brincat, whosereputation with eNGOs suffered a huge blow, especially afterthe outbreak of the ŻonqorPoint controversy.

However, given this administration’s track record in regards to the environment, such a commitment can be met with scepticism.

I intend to discuss both the concept of rewilding, as well as why this project alone will not reverse this government’s image as decidedly not environment friendly.

The idea of recreating a wilderness out of a degraded environment has been catching up in Europe in the last 20 to 30 years. This process has been prompted by three realities that have affected the European countryside, as well as the European population’s mentality. The first issue is that of a European countryside that is being emptied of people, who have abandoned agriculture and moved to the cities. In a sense, this has enabled abandoned agricultural land to be repopulated by nature.

The second factor is growing public interest in the natural environment. Finally, there is the important factor of nature-oriented tourism.

The end result has been a series of initiatives in countries like Spain, Britain and the Netherlands, where a rewilding process has taken place, creating green jobs, as well as greater contact with nature. It also has seen an enrichment in biodiversity, with the return of indigenous plants and animals that had long disappeared from these areas.

In other words, even in a limited way, the idea of rewilding a small part of Malta is a good one. However, one should not be blinded by this news, as the government’s environmental credentials are far from sound.

So far, for all the promises this administration floated before the last election, Malta has gone from one environmental trouble to another. The latest seems to be that about high-rise buildings and the apparent lack of planning in these projects, with numerous towers and the apparent lack of concern for the sentiments and needs of the residents affected by them. These projects are turning characteristic villages into a high-rise concrete jungle.

So while we are supposed to contemplate the setting up of a small forest, a veritable high-rise jungle is going to become our country’s new reality. Meanwhile, lack of respect for ODZ land, all in the name of development, has further exacerbated this situation.

All this within a context of an increase in health problems, especially those of the respiratory kind and obesity, the result of a lack of open spaces and pollution, a key area the Nationalist Party has been making strides in, both while in Opposition and during the Gonzi administration.

Simon Busuttil’s forthcoming approach towards nature sets the party on course to ensure Malta will no longer be crying out forits environment.

On behalf of the party, I will do my utmost to see full respect for our environment as outlined in our party statements regarding ODZ and the Public Domain Act.

There is a need to not just preserve the countryside but to create green spaces in our urban areas, accessible to the public, especially since I come from the Birkirkara and Santa Venera area.

People ought to not just see areas being built up, but have areas reserved for them where they can relax and enjoy their free time alongside their children. Green jobs and initiatives that favour nature should also be encouraged.

Therefore, I openly state that any initiative taken that favours and improves the environment ought to be praised, whoever proposes it.

Justin Schembri is a Nationalist Party election candidate in the eighth district.