Thirteen primary school students from schools in Malta and Gozo this morning voiced their major environmental concerts with Environment Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco.

During a children's hearing "Dear Minister!" at the Malta Tourism Authority in Valletta, each of the students read a letter voicing his or her concerns. These ranged from air pollution to the protection of countryside.

Littering was also a major concern with the students pointing out that they were bothered by those who dumped their waste into the sea and in the countryside.

Through their letters, the students showed that the new generation were much more environmentally conscious. They took on the role of advisors to the government making suggestions on cleaner energy, including through the use of wind farms and solar panels. They also called for more education in schools.

Dr de Marco explained what the government was doing for the environment - from the creation of undersea tunnels to the rehabilitation of injured turtles.

He pointed out the conflict in responsibility between human and environmental needs saying there were two sides to every issue and a balance had to be found.