The Nationalist Party said Tuesday it is seriously concerned about the exclusion of Żonqor Point from the recently published Inwadar National Park Management Plan. This is the same area which the Government had changed its position about, after pressure from the Opposition and a public outcry, whereby it was first given to the American University of Malta (AUM) and then taken back.

The PN said it has always maintained that Żonqor Point should be fully integrated into Inwadar National Park. Its inclusion is essential to safeguard this unique and ecologically important coastal area for the benefit of future generations. Given that local plans and regulations already include Żonqor Point as part of the park's boundaries, its absence from the management plan raises important questions.

It urged the Government to take immediate action to ensure that the park's management plan reflects this reality and formally includes Żonqor Point, as anticipated in both planning frameworks and previous commitments.

This area is too important to be left out of any plan aimed at preserving Malta's natural heritage. The Maltese public, who voiced their strong opposition to the AUM development, deserve nothing less than full transparency and follow-through from the Government on this issue.

The PN insisted that the government should clarify its position and ensure that Żonqor Point is treated as an integral part of Inwadar National Park. This land is a vital part of Malta's environmental and cultural fabric, and its protection must be guaranteed.

It is clear that, for the government, the protection of such environmental areas is not a priority, as evidenced by yesterday's Budget, where this sector, so crucial for the quality of life of the Maltese and Gozitans, was completely overlooked, the statement said.

Government says PN statement 'based on misinformation'

In response, the Environment Ministry said that the PN's statement is based on misinformation.

"The Government is upholding its commitment that Żonqor Point remains protected as an integral part of the Inwadar National Park. Last August, regulatory changes were already published and approved, taking steps to strengthen the management and protection of this valuable natural area."

"Included with the law as published in the Government Gazette is an attached plan that clearly shows that the AUM area has been added to the Inwadar Park. This ongoing commitment by the Government to environmental protection confirms clear priorities to sustainably safeguard Malta's natural sites."

PL reacts

The Labour Party also reacted to the PN's statement, saying that Bernard Grech and the Nationalist Party "are opting for falsehoods, not even bothering to examine what is outlined in the law."

"The Labour Government acted without delay to ensure that Żonqor Point was included in the Management Plan of the Inwadar National Park. This indeed occurred, and anyone can easily verify it publicly. But for Bernard Grech, what matters is sowing confusion in every area, regardless of facts and truth. If the Nationalist Party had bothered to check the facts before making public statements, they would have realized that even the legal notice clearly indicates that Żonqor Point is part of the Inwadar Park," the PL said.