The Annual General Meeting of Nature Trust (Malta) was held on Tuesday 11 March 2008. During this meeting the President Vincent Attard highlighted the main issues that NTM undertook for the year 2007. He said that the year was not an easy one for NTM and the NGO had big challenges in various environmental issues, such as Ta Cenc, Hondoq ir Rummien, Golf Courses, Ramla Bay development and the Mistra village redevelopment.
On the administrative site NTM had good results as a NGO and the organisation continued to grow finding more public support for its work.
One big achievement for NTM during 2007 was the Ekoskola programme that had continued to grow at a steady rate finding also the support of government and private industry. This success together with its other FEE programmes – Blue Flag and Young Reports for the Environment has lead FEE International to appoint NTM to a full member status from the position it held during 2007 as associate member. This was the proof that NTM has the highest status in such an Environmental and eco label Institution world wide
Vincent Attard said 2008 will bring along new challenges for NTM as the organisation moves more into a professional NGO. 2008 will witness the implementation of the Xrobb L-Ghagin nature and sustainability park together with work on the Pembroke garigue park which has so far found the support of UNESCO. The NGO hopes to embark on other conservation projects like the conservation of Fungus Rock and the propagation of more indigenous trees to go to environmental restoration projects.
The project for the creation of a wildlife rehabilitation centre has already found the financial support from the German community and other NGos in Europe
In the area of Education NTM will continue to strengthen the present programmes and seek more support. This year Eco-parliament will focus on Climate Change issues. The NGO will be developing more eco walks around the Maltese islands to create further awareness in both locals and foreign visitors.
NTM’s ongoing campaign is to continue pushing for environmental law enforcement, the creation of park rangers, the reform of MEPA, reduce construction and demolition waste and climate change will be the main focus grounds.
Mr Attard concluded that it was positive to see the political parties give priority of environmental issues however now the Ngo will hold the party in power to its word and monitor environmental improvements. Some Designated natura 2000 sites are still in a pitiful state and if no short tem measures are undertaken till a more holistic approach is implemented many sites stand losing their ecological importance
During this meeting the general secretary Ms Esther Sammut Carbone presented the annual report of activities and Council matters for 2007 and the financial accounts for 2007.
The AGM was concluded with t nee new NTM National Council for 2008 / 2010.