Environment Minister Leo Brincat told Parliament yesterday of the progress registered on the environment, saying the division of Mepa would prepare employees for the obligations it had as an EU member.
The mechanical biological treatment plant is on track as is the waste transfer station in Gozo. Waste separation will be increased as the recycling plant is expanded, and collection of recycled waste from commercial establishments will also be implemented.
Green jobs, as promised, will be introduced, Mr Brincat said.
The sheer amount of plastic thrown away, especially at sea, was a serious problem, and he has received several proposals, one of which is to offer incentives to those who recycle plastic bottles.
Waste separation will be increased as the recycling plant is expanded
Ocean governance is going to be a major issue in the near future as is the attention to biodiversity
Specific areas are being studied for the establishment of “green belts”, and the government will also be planting more trees.
Louis Cassar has been commissioned to carry out a study on the potential for afforestation of the Maltese islands.
The Majjistral Park is now equipped with a visitors’ centre and a mobile app has been developed. The various NGOs involved in the administration of the park have received the funds which were owed to them. It has been made clear to them, however, that they need to work together, with action plans spread over a period of time, so that the park continues to be improved.
The Scientific Advisory Council has been set up at no cost to the government because none of its members – who represent the best minds at the university – is receiving any remuneration. The pilot projects with four local councils to go green have been successful. The councils were asked to put forward ideas and a number of small projects have been launched. Transparency must be maintained or funds will be forfeited.
There will soon be a public consultation exercise on noise pollution with the aim of drafting cogent and practical legislation on the matter. Studies are underway for the possible export of electronic waste as well as the generation of energy from this refuse.
Concluding, Mr Brincat said the environment, the climate and the economy should be drawn together to provide a synergy which will not boost one aspect at the expense of another.