On the occasion of World Environment Day, Nature Trust (Malta) appeals to the government and national authorities to give more importance to the conservation of local biodiversity. NTM is noting that our natural heritage is losing its battle to unsustainable development, illegal dumping, lack of law enforcement and no political will.

Way back in 2013, the Ministry for the Environment had commissioned a report on possible sites for afforestation and a committee was also set up. This report had created high hopes, but to date there has been no commitment, let alone any plans.

With the problem of climate change and with the recent positive development in the COP 21 conference, one now hopes that more local commitment will be made on this issue. Trees help in the mitigation of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide – a major greenhouse gas. The NGO strongly recommends that instead of heavy pruning of trees a national policy guideline on pruning of trees should be designed.

Furthermore, NTM urges the government to identify degraded land where afforestation projects can be set up. This should include used quarries. At present, the option suggested in SPED are to use spent quarries for warehousing and for solar farms, or for rehabilitation into agricultural areas. The option should be widened to include ecological restoration. Such sites would have a social value offering locals areas or recreation, economic by attracting eco-tourism to our islands, and environmental for better air quality, biodiversity improvement and climate mitigation. Health Minister Chris Fearne said that 41 per cent of schoolchildren in Malta have been classified as obese, with a higher incidence in boys than in girls. (Media reports, 4/05/2016). Our children need more venues to burn up their calories. Educating our children on the food they eat is not enough: we need to provide safe places where they can enjoy the natural environment and be active. 

Of major concern too is the fact that 30 per cent of our islands are built compared to eight per cent of the rest of Europe. Malta needs more open spaces and the little ODZ left must be safeguarded and enhanced rather than industrialized further. Many people are now aware and willing to sponsor the rehabilitation of degraded land into a natural area.

Finally, the NGO also appeals for marine biodiversity since this too can also help the economy if managed well. MOAs should be managed better and not just on paper. Donations should be introduced since MPAs abroad with zone management have proven that they contribute to the increase in marine biodiversity, promote even more diving tourism and act as replenishment areas for fishers outside side zone.