The Nationalist Party has published a document which explains the effects that the bill that plans to introduce “The Right to the Environment” as a fundamental human right will have on the Maltese population.

The PN tabled this bill, which would amend Malta’s constitution, in Parliament last week, after the public consultation period ended and the bill received the support of the PN parliamentary group.

PN MPs Darren Carabott, Janice Chetcuti and Stanley Zammit announced this document during a press conference on Wednesday.

Carabott said that this proposal has been heavily studied and similar bills in other countries have already proven that this bill has a positive effect.

This amendment deals with chapter four of the constitution, which Carabott said is the only chapter in the constitution that is enforceable.

Currently, Maltese people do not have the fundamental right to a clean and sustainable environment, therefore, this bill will give people the power to fight for this, Carabott said.

The proposed bill, Carabott said gives a new fresh description of the environment that would include Malta’s towns and villages.

If this fundamental right is broken, this bill gives people and NGOs the ability to take action against the government, which holds responsibility, Carabott continued. He added that it will also empower the courts to decide on these cases.

Carabott clarified that although there is a pact between countries to maintain a clean environment, this does not include the right of the citizen. Therefore, as things stand citizens still do not have a right to a clean environment.

Chetcuti pointed out the importance of taking into consideration the future generation to make sure that they will benefit from a healthy environment.

Although Malta already lost some of its environment, she said that it can still be saved.

She further mentioned everyday issues - traffic, air and noise pollution, respiratory problems – and how this bill will give citizens the ability to take action against this.

During Zammit’s speech, he highlighted how the planning system in Malta is contributing to the decline of Malta’s environment.

The PN wants a more holistic planning system, Zammit said that gives more importance to the environment and not just focus on granting permits.