The government has published a consultation document on a National Environment Policy for the years  2011-2020.

The document was launched this afternoon during a press conference by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco.

The objectives of the policy are:

"To provide direction in the environment field to both the public and private sector and other players;

"Ensure the integration of all policies such that all stakeholders work in a coordinated manner;

"Achieve national objectives, not only in the environmental field but also in areas that impact upon or are impacted by the environment, exploiting synergies and addressing potential conflicts across sectors, articulate  and communicate  national environmental commitments and objectives in a
transparent manner."

The document takes into account all existing national, European and multinational obligations and integrates and prioritises environmental activities for the period 2011-2020, with a special focus on improving policy implementation in the environmental field, and on the links between the environment and the economy.

The National Environment Policy also integrates sectoral environmental policies such as the already-drafted Air Quality Plan and Waste Strategy, as well as plans in preparation, such as the waste reduction plan, indicating their contribution to overall national environmental policy goals.   

The document can be seen by clicking the pdf below