As I stood in Parliament these past two weeks discussing our new environmental permitting regulations and reflecting on the ERA's annual report, it became clearer than ever that real environmental progress is built through concrete decisions, sustained investment, and the courage to implement reforms that may not always be popular but remain absolutely necessary.
The new environmental permitting regulations that came into force recently represent principled action in practice; we have created a fundamental shift towards higher environmental standards and a level playing field where businesses that invest in environmental responsibility will not face disadvantages against those who cut corners.
For the first time, we are regulating activities that previously operated without proper environmental oversight. Quarries, cement packaging facilities, pharmaceutical operations, shipyards -- amongst other industries. Now, all of these require environmental permits with clear conditions and monitoring. We want economic activity and environmental protection to move forward together.
The three-tier system we have introduced responds proportionally. A major industrial facility processing hazardous waste faces more stringent requirements than a smaller operation. Everyone now operates within a framework that prioritises environmental protection.
However, what strikes me most is the opposition to these changes from those who claim to champion environmental causes. When we introduced a fee for industries applying for an environmental permit, the Nationalist Party accused us of imposing new taxes. An inconsistent Opposition that preaches environmental integrity but does not even recognise a worldwide principle -- that the polluter pays.
The regulations significantly strengthen public participation. We're extending community consultation to numerous industrial activities, giving residents an actual voice in decisions that affect them. Local councils will be directly informed of applications in their areas, creating new channels for community engagement.
We are providing genuine access to justice, allowing communities to challenge decisions and ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed. Environmental democracy becomes practice, not just statements.
ERA's annual report demonstrates what sustained environmental commitment achieves. Over 9,380 inspections, more than 4,800 new investigation cases, and over 1,000 fines issued -- this is environmental enforcement in action. But it's not just about penalties; it's about prevention, and education.
Our waste separation achievements tell a remarkable story. Since introducing mandatory separation in 2023, we have seen a 23% reduction in black bag waste and a 31% increase in organic waste collection. An increase by over 26,000 tonnes of organic waste since 2017, with 23,000 tonnes of recyclable materials exported last year alone. Another significant shift in how we manage our resources.
The establishment of five new Special Areas of Conservation brings Malta's protected land coverage to 30%. Combined with our ongoing management agreements and restoration work across these sites, we're actively improving degraded habitats and creating new green spaces for future generations.
Technology is transforming how we monitor and protect our environment. ERA's investment in drones, GIS mapping, and digital platforms like MEPS Hub is providing exceptional access to environmental data. The new digital permitting system through ERIS is making processes more transparent and efficient, and also reducing paperwork.
Our €2 million in EU-funded projects focused on marine conservation shows how we're leveraging international partnerships to address local challenges. From marine protected areas to fisheries collaboration, we are taking a comprehensive approach to ocean health.
The heated debates around projects like the Thermal Treatment Facility at Magħtab highlight the challenge of implementing necessary infrastructure while addressing legitimate community concerns. When experts conclude that a facility will process 38 tonnes per day and have negligible air quality impact within a six-kilometre radius, yet the Opposition claims it will process 400 tonnes per day and affect everyone in that area with cancer-causing emissions, we face a fundamental challenge of trust and communication.
We will continue explaining technical decisions while remaining committed to evidence-based policy. The alternative is to continue relying on landfills and exported waste and this simply isn't sustainable for an island like ours.
Environmental protection works when economic growth and ecological health advance together. The Malta we are building proves this approach succeeds. Our record economic performance gives us the foundation and confidence to demand higher environmental standards. Our growing clean energy capacity, improved water infrastructure, and expanding protected areas show what becomes possible when environmental policy has genuine political backing.
The work ahead is substantial. We will continue implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy, expanding renewable energy capacity, and strengthening waste management systems. The National Air Quality Plan and upcoming restoration initiatives under EU regulations will further advance our environmental agenda.
But success depends on moving beyond political point-scoring to genuine collaboration. Environmental challenges do not respect party lines, and environmental solutions should not either. When we see consistent opposition to concrete environmental measures, from waste separation requirements to renewable energy projects to stricter industrial standards, we get reminded that talk is easier than action.
Every new regulation, every enforcement action, every protected area designation builds towards a larger vision. We are anticipating environmental challenges, not just responding to them. The children attending our educational programmes today will inherit an island with stronger environmental protections, cleaner energy systems, and more robust natural spaces than we inherited. Because we are building foundations that will last and we will continue doing so.
Miriam Dalli is Minister for Environment, Energy, and Public Cleanliness