Nature Trust (Malta) last week sent its full objections to the proposed development boundaries extensions as proposed by the present Cabinet. The NGO feels that with our islands, being only 360 square kilometres, such extensions go beyond sustainable development and environmental protection. “With these proposed boundaries, we will simply be leaving future generations less and less natural heritage,” Nature Trust said.

NTM is concerned at the very short period MEPA allowed for the consultation process. Environmental NGOs are voluntary groups. With all the areas to be examined – six weeks was too short a period for such a national issue, it added.

The NGO urged the authorities to act responsibly and show their environmental credentials by not approving such boundaries. Such development proposals go against all environmental protection concepts.

NTM feels that over the last years our environment has suffered under the hands of our authorities as much of our land has already been granted development permits through sanctioning and approval of development in Outside Development Zones (ODZ).

Finally, Nature Trust (Malta) appealed to the government not to consider such extensions if it truly considers the environment as one of its pillars for improving our islands. NTM feels there are other ways how injustice can be compensated. NTM appeals to all MPs to vote against such extensions.