Just two years ago, we were all faced with an unprecedented situation, to which we all had to react very quickly. Undoubtedly, this did not come about without any teething problems and adjustments, but the Maltese citizens and residents have showcased resilience and adaptability and today we can look ahead with optimism to work for a better and more sustainable future.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in our daily lives including the re-discovery of the need to touch base with nature and to live healthier and more environment friendly lifestyles. Indeed, it was immediately recognized that in order to build back better we needed to fully embrace the lessons learnt and transform our environmental challenges into opportunities. To achieve this is no small feat, but it is equally true that going back to doing business as we were used to is not truly an option.
The evidence of new challenges and opportunities is there. From the perspective of climate change, a crisis which did not go away during these trying times, the need to address issues for an improved environment including more green spaces in our urban areas is crucial.
The Ministry for Environment, Climate Change and Planning has taken up the challenge in this respect and embarked on a number of projects and initiatives guided by the updated policies and strategies dove-tailing into the promotion of greener and more sustainable development targeting:
- climate neutrality through the promotion of more sustainable mobility and cleaner energy and more energy efficient buildings;
- more sustainable resource and waste management through waste prevention measures, more recycling and upgrading of waste management infrastructure
- reducing marine litter through consumption reduction measures;
- a more sustainable construction industry guided by the newly adopted Construction and Demolition Strategy following institutional strengthening with the establishment of the Building and Construction Authority;
- review of the spatial planning and environment development policy in order to integrate environment and climate change principles.
Despite the economic and financial situation, the Ministry launched an array of initiatives to give life to the actions and measures penned in its policies and strategies such as:
- the development of the Eco-Hive Complex and other required waste management facilities;
- the introduction of the Beverage and container schemes;
- the banning of certain single use plastic items for consumption;
- the pilot scheme for renovation of private buildings.
Through valuable collaboration between the Ministry, the Environment and Resources Authority, the Planning Authority and also various NGOs and Local Councils, we are restoring our natural areas, as well as regenerating and creating more green open spaces.
Moreover, extensive incessant work has been carried out by Ambjent Malta to restore our natural capital through the removal of alien species and tree and shrubs planting in various locations around Malta and Gozo, amongst which in Majjistral Park, Ghar Hasan, Belvedere, Victoria Lines u tal-Maghluq - just to name a few.
In total, the Ministry planted circa 47,000 trees and shrubs during 2020 and 2021.
Other key greening projects, regenerating urban spaces have been launched for Spencer Garden, Argotti, Romeo Romano Garden and Victor Calvagna Garden in Mosta.
And speaking about green urban spaces, one must mention the rehabilitation of Qortin and Wied Fulija (with the latter project alone being an investment of circa €5 million co financed by the European Union) which, from waste dumpsites have been turned into family parks which families can now enjoy.
This is a clear manifest of the solid commitment made as a response to the public plea for more open and green spaces.
The efforts of the Ministry alone are infutile without the collaboration and support from each and every citizen. We need to live and consume more sustainably and take care of our environment. Our commitment remains and we will continue our duty to educate and raise awareness on environmental issues.
#savingourblue #climateon
