An agency called ‘Ambjent Malta’, which would be tasked to coordinate and supports efforts to protect environmental heritage, was to be up and running before summer, Environment Minister Jose Herrera said.

Dr Herrera had announced the agency last year, but the initiative had never been brought up again since.

Asked by the Times of Malta about progress, Dr Herrera admitted the Environment Ministry ran into “some teething problems”.

However, he said, Ambjent Malta “is at an advanced stage,” with the ministry already approaching members to form part of the board of governors. The Environment Minister also said he had approached someone to be the director-general of the board.

“There were hurdles which we overcame,” Dr Herrera said. “We are also preparing estimates for the next budget where we will be asking the government for more funds.”

The Environment Minister admitted that Ambjent Malta “has been long overdue”.

It will be responsible for valleys and parks and will seek to be the consolidation of every environment-related directorate and entity.

The organisation is set to be a “hybrid” combining the civil service and a board of governors that will direct the general policy and advise the government in environmental matters, Dr Herrera said.

“It will be like a watchdog for the government,” he added.