Environment and Rural Development Minister George Pullicino said that through the budget the government would be putting more effort into afforestation around Malta and Gozo, with tree planting in four new public areas – Rinella Valley, Madliena, Wied Blandun and Nadur. In addition a disused quarry was going to be rehabilitated close to Hagar Qim, while the Ta’ Qali national park would be expanded.

The natural heritage was also being protected and in the coming months the network of protected sites and implementation of a management plan for these sites would be strengthened.

The sites include the national park in northwest Malta and other sites which the government has identified as zones to form part of Natura 2008.

Mr Pullicino said the environment, education and employment were the three main points on which the government was basing its policies. In the budget the government voted Lm84 million for the environment, Lm6 million more than last year.