The separation of the planning and environment functions of Mepa should be handled efficiently and not rushed, Environment Minister Leo Brincat said yesterday.

We would welcome the NGOs to call us out on these issues

During his first meeting with Nature Trust at Casa Leone in Santa Venera, the new minister emphasised that the Labour Government’s pledge to split the environment from planning in a future authority should be handled carefully to ensure a proper transition.

Such a split would give a voice to the environmental lobby, he said.

The Government would operate an open-door policy, the minister also said.

“Should we drift away from our electoral manifesto promises, we would welcome the NGOs to call us out on these issues. Criticism doesn’t bother us.”

Mr Brincat said plans to set up a fund for environmental NGOs would help them improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Asked about hunting, the minister promised adherence to EU rules and guidelines but stressed the Government would stick to its electoral pledges.

Labour has pledged to introduce a fixed hunting season, remove the €50 special licence for spring hunting and “correctly” apply EU derogations to allow a limited spring hunting season and trapping of European finches in autumn.

Nature Trust president Vincent Attard welcomed the decision, adding the environment would have a stronger voice which would work towards sustainable development.

The NGO expressed the hope that the setting up of an environmental protection agency would not only have a stronger say on development, but also have the power to stop development altogether in certain areas.