The National Environment Policy was launched for public consultation on September 5. The Office of the Prime Minister will, over the next six weeks be receiving comments on this policy by e-mail: envpolicy.opm@gov.mt.
We will assess these views and take them into account when we publish the final version of the policy, towards the end of this year. The comments contained in the article entitled National Environment Policy Lacks Substance, Environmentalists Charge (September 12) will likewise be considered.
However, I feel I need to publicly clarify three points raised in this article.
Astrid Vella is reported as saying that the “NEP was endorsing the taking over of more virgin land through rationalisation plans…”
The NEP in fact states the opposite. It recognises that land is one of our most important resources and that Malta has a significant percentage (22 per cent) of vacant property. Therefore on page 54, the NEP states that “Through the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development, we will ensure that the spatial planning framework makes best use of available land for development within the development zone, without the need of extending such boundaries”.
Alfred E. Baldacchino queried a statement I made in the introductory address wherein I stated that the NEP seeks to address the particular environmental challenges that Malta faces, presenting a set of policies and measures that we consider are needed to achieve an acceptable level of environmental quality in the islands, without involving unacceptable socio-economic impacts. I stand by what I stated.
The environment policy, like all other government policies, needs to be etched on the principles of sustainable development. It needs to, and in fact does, take into account the social-economic realities of our country.
The environment policy is like a map that shows the environment route we plan to take to develop this country in a sustainable manner. This policy complements other government policies including the economic and social policies.
Marco Cremona queried the assertion that we have 5,000 registered green jobs. This statistic is based on a study commissioned by the Employment and Training Corporation in 2008.
The study was carried out by Edward Scicluna and used OECD criteria. That said, I for one feel that our focus should be on how to increase green-job opportunities in Malta rather than on the how and what of green-job statistics.
This is what the NEP is advocating and this is what this government aims to pursue.
I do hope that the above serves to clarify any misinterpretations and look forward to receiving more views and comments on this policy.