Environmental NGO Din L-Art Helwa are urging political parties to prioritise the environment and the environmental future of the country throughout the electoral campaigns.  

Urging the parties to consider the effects of their pledges upon Malta's future, they stated "whilst politicians and political parties enter and exit the political stage, the loss of heritage or natural environment is permanent," they said in a press release.

The Organisation primarily are requesting the study and publication of a detailed National Strategy Plan, "which gives a detailed understanding and vision of where Malta should be in 20 and 50 years time." They are also calling for a renewed overhaul of recent policies and a serious attempt at curbing excessive development, and protecting our urban and natural heritage for this and future generations.  

"In the past 4 years Malta has continued to experience the environment being pillaged to accommodate speculators; whilst the political slogan of 'Business First', garnered favour amongst developers and speculators, the results upon our entire country are tangible and devastating," they said.  

They went on to express their opinion that the Planning Authority is "not adequately controlling development while protecting our environment." "Policy reforms have been introduced which give speculators an almost free hand," they said.

"The demerger of the environment from planning has weakened the voice of both our environmental and heritage authorities," the press release said, "giving them little power to stop development. They Have not been given the proper tools to act as guardians of our natural and cultural heritage."

When it comes to natural areas, the ENGO mentioned the Zonqor Point project, commenting that its beauty has been "sacrificed to development." "We are fighting to retain our historical skylines, in an attempt to persuade the government to refrain from simply pushing forward with tall builds at any cost," they continued. "Construction should be channeled into the rehabilitation and renewal, which can be advantageous to all while protecting the environment," the statement said.

The full list of Din L-Art Helwa's recommendations can be seen at www.dinlarthelwa.org. Din L-Art Helwa said they will be joining the coalition of e NGO's in putting forward its proposals regarding the environment.