The government has a clear vision for the future of Gozo. Our aim is to transform the island into a sustainable reality. We want to ensure a better quality of life for the Gozitans and those visiting the island and work towards a wholesome natural and cultural environment to enhance the island’s identity.

This has to be complemented by the creation of more sustainable jobs and attracting more quality investment while exerting less pressure on the environment. In the words of Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi, our aim is to, “...render Gozo an ecological island – a model of sustainable development”.

These ideas are entrenched in the Eco-Gozo concept and in the government’s vision for 2015. As outlined in the electoral manifesto the government wants Gozo to generate most of its energy from alternative sources and sees the island as an organic island in the agricultural sector.

By 2015 Gozo should also become a model of sustainable development in the tourism sector, which is of primary importance to the island. Priority will be given to agri-tourism, live museums about life, traditional trades, small roads and walking paths in the countryside, fishing ports and traditional fishing, cruise liner facilities, sports tourism facilities and Gozitan heritage.

In its pre-budget document the government is proposing offering incentives to families to invest in renewable and efficient energy, evaluating the possibility of installing a renewable energy system, and the launching of an outreach programme to educate families on energy and water conservation.

The government also intends to set up a research centre focusing on agriculture, traditional produce and local species. In the same sector we will also be promoting organic farming.

The pre-budget document is proposing the launching of an integrated plan for water management and a reform in the public transport system.

It is very important to keep in mind that Eco-Gozo is not a concept exclusively owned by the government. It is crucial to understand that government initiatives are just a fraction of what could and should be done to achieve our goal. Every citizen, being Gozitan or Maltese, should embrace the Eco-Gozo concept and make it his own. Everyone has an important role to play in this endeavour and it is only by believing in the concept and working together that we can reach our goal.

We can all get involved in making our community stronger, more prosperous and, above all, sustainable. Eco-Gozo is not just about the environment. It is surprising how many of the choices we make every day have an impact on sustainability. These choices range from insulating our homes to turning off electronic devices and gadgets when not in use, from avoiding using the car to go to a shop or church in the same locality to separating household waste and from buying locally produced food to using renewable energy and low energy lighting.

Business plays a great part in our lives. As employers, employees, business owners and managers we all have opportunities to create and promote a more sustainable environment. Businesses have a key role to play in carbon reduction and they should take the role of leaders in sustainable development. The private sector is a key actor in building stable and safer communities through acting responsibly and supporting local organisations with resources and expertise.

Using commercial recycling and renewable energy, developing low footprint processes, reducing wasteful packaging and monitoring sustainability case studies and the experience of others form a small proportion of the initiatives that may be taken up by the private sector.

Apart from these, businesses should also encourage staff to volunteer in the local community, engage with local organisations through mentoring and sponsorship and ensure that skills and knowledge are constantly updated and improved to give employees a competitive advantage.

Local councils are the other important actors in the process. Being close to the citizens local councils are ideally placed to conduct educational campaigns among residents of their localities. Local councils should also make sure that their local strategies are in line with the government strategy and adopt a bottom up approach to reach the desired objective. Green procurement should also feature strongly in local councils’ tendering procedures.

Eco-Gozo is the island’s sustainable community strategy. The strategy should lead to an eco island with a thriving economy where residents and visitors enjoy a good quality of life. Though this may sound utopian, I am convinced that with the help of each and every one of us, our aspiration may be realised.

Chris Said is parliamentary secretary in the

Office of the Prime Minister