A seminar aimed at stimulating and improving the cooperation between Mepa and various NGOs was held last Tuesday.

The seminar was entitled “Protecting the Environment in Malta”

“Many new laws on environmental protection are in the course of being introduced to Malta, most of these stimulated by our membership of the EU. There is a growing need to improve our enforcement capability so as to ensure that these laws lead to an improved level of environmental protection,” architect Ruben Abela said.

Mepa director general Dr Godwin Cassar added that the “protection of the environment in Malta is important not just for its own sake but also in economic terms. In particular, our tourist industry is heavily dependent on the perception of Malta as a clean and attractive destination.”

Mepa is the principal body for enforcement of environmental legislation in Malta but to be fully effective it needs the cooperation and support of other bodies. Mepa organised this training and awareness workshop with a view to informing personnel in other agencies about the new legislation and the need and importance of appropriate enforcement measures. Among the numerous attendees were personnel from the Malta Police Force, various ministries and NGOs. Due to the popularity of the workshop, another session is being envisaged.

As illegal dumping and litter is a priority area for Malta it will be interesting to hear of the experience of the recently established Green Wardens. The critical need to protect and conserve our animals, plants and natural habitats was addressed by a number of speakers.