Preserving the natural environment is not only for romantics. It increases our touristic potential. It is also our heritage and enhances our quality of life; it is free and can be enjoyed by all, poor and rich. I can enjoy fresh air and peace for free. And all are aware of it when we see adverts extolling the natural beauty of Gozo. However, the protection of the Outside Development Zone should be taken more seriously. We have already seen developments that started illegally, like batching plants, yards to park construction machinery, etc and a blind eye was turned with the development given the blessing after. Now the government is proposing new regulations regarding ODZ. 

The protection of ODZ should be taken more seriously, because the big money is on the side of the developers, and flies are attracted to a honey pot. Developers have the money and the experts on their side to interpret the law and find loopholes. The Church is mostly silent on these matters. And Mepa, which should be the protector, is a weak one at best, so there is a need for stricter, more transparent regulations. 

And also because it is sad to see  hunters and trappers who, most of them at any rate, have at heart the natural land, taking up arms against environmentalists and those in power giving them their share to keep them satisfied, while continuing with the destruction of natural land.

Regulations are not enforced and are changed according to the mood. Even the illegal boathouses at Armier are becoming legal. So tourist accommodation at agritourism sites has the chance of becoming something bigger. We always slide down the slippery slope. And let's not forget that services have to be installed like sewage, electricity, water, etc. And will it happen, as it does when new roads are built and when the Gozo Race Track was built, that the debris is thrown on garigue or good arable land and left there to disturb the habitat? 

So I am sceptical that the new regulations regarding ODZ are there to help farmers. I smell a big, big rat. Like what happened at Fort Chambray.

Joe Portelli

Nadur