The government has published guidelines for the registration of consultants wishing to work on environment impact assessments.

The guidelines, part of the Malta Environment Planning Authority reform proposals, were announced yesterday by Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco.

The Mepa reform proposals feature the establishment of a registration and review board that will oversee the registration of the consultants.

The consultants will have to apply on a personal basis and not as companies. They would be subject to review before renewal.

Dr de Marco said EIAs would feature mandatory monitoring by people who were independent of the consultants.

Architect Kevin Gatt, who chairs the Registration and Review Board, said the guidelines were based on foreign standards adapted to local needs.

The guidelines feature a code of practice for the consultants. Details can be found at www.rrb.gov.mt.