Even if it is taken for granted, the environment plays an important role in our lives and has an impact on our standard of living.

Countries around the world are becoming more conscious about the importance of protecting the environment. As time goes by, we are seeing a cultural shift in the way Maltese people view the environment. The word environment can be linked to several definitions. The environment is our natural home, it is the place where one can find open spaces to unwind and immerse in nature, it is an important resource for tourism – one of our major economic sectors, it is part of our heritage.

Despite the various alarming news in the environmental field, one finds that our progress in this area is slow and ultimately reactive. What seems to be missing is an understanding and consensus on existing technologies, planning approaches and practices that can be easily implemented to solve the environmental crisis.

Our country has a great potential to be among the best among the member states of Europe in terms of initiatives to protect the environment. Notwithstanding our small size, our archipelago boasts of a rich biodiversity, several protected areas as well as extensive Marine Protected Areas. However, this all depends on the priorities and choices we make in shaping our policies.

Youths must play a crucial role in shaping environmental policy. We saw last year how MZPN, together with the student unions and the National Youth Council, were catalysts for the government and the opposition to recognize the need for our country to do its part in the fight against climate change. Parliament eventually took on board our appeal to declare a climate emergency.

The crisis we all face together is a unique opportunity to encourage young people to play a role in shaping our country's environmental policies. A few weeks ago, the Nationalist Party launched a consultation process that will lead to an electoral programme that aims to meet people's aspirations. This is an extremely positive process which will give the Maltese and Gozitans the opportunity to contribute their ideas for a better Malta.

The environment will be at the heart of the ideas we want to offer to the electorate. We cannot ignore the current needs. We need to be more aware than ever that every infrastructure initiative and project must take into account environmental considerations. I urge all interested parties, from eNGOs to citizens to participate in this process and be part of this project which is beneficial for our country.

The future requires the older and younger generations to work together to bring about the necessary change. There is a lot of interest among young people on this issue. The leaders of the country need to hear these voices of change. They should listen and embrace new and innovative ideas and rethink the way we preserve our country, because fulfilling the sustainable development goals also means passing on our country in a better shape to future generations.

At this important time, there should be no discussion about the future of the younger generations without giving them the opportunity to sit at the discussion table, not least on environmental policies. This is not a topic that falls solely in the domain of ERA or some Minister who has repeatedly shown their unwillingness to stand up and be counted. 

Beyond the rhetoric of building new parks characterised by concrete paths and planting of saplings which die after few months, the government must deliver, in a concrete manner, on safeguarding the environment. We cannot waste any more time and manage the environment through propaganda that brings no concrete change. In the light of the failure of policy makers, youths can help the country find its way in this area and work for Malta to have a better future.

 Gabriel Micallef is a Mellieha Local councillor and the MZPN Vice-President