I welcome the recent declaration by the Minister of the Environment Jose Herrera where it is being suggested that an area in the middle of Malta is earmarked to transform itself in a mini-Buskett, consequently the planting of native trees where local wildlife could be encouraged to return.
This is certainly an encouraging indication that Minister Herrera intends to show that his ministry is different than that of his immediate predecessor, Leo Brincat whose reputation with ENGOs suffered a huge blow especially after the outbreak of the Żonqor point controversy and the following aftermath. However given this administration’s track record in regards to the environment, such a commitment can be met with scepticism.
I intend to briefly discuss both the concept of rewilding and as well as why this project alone will not reverse this government’s image as decidedly not environment friendly. The idea of recreating a wilderness out of a degraded environment has been catching up in Europe in the last thirty to twenty years. This process has been prompted by three realities that have affected the European countryside as well as the European population’s mentality. The first issue is that of a European countryside that is being emptied of people who have abandoned agriculture and moved to the cities. In a sense this has enabled know abandoned agricultural land to be repopulate by nature. The second factor is a growing interest by the people towards the natural environment. Finally, there is the important factor of nature oriented tourism.
The end result has been a serious of initiatives in countries like Spain, Britain and even the Netherlands were a rewilding process has taken place, creating green jobs as well as a greater contact with nature. It also has seen an enrichment in biodiversity with the return of indigenous plants and animals that had long disappeared from these areas.
In other words even in a limited way, this idea of rewilding a small part of Malta is a good one. However one should not be blinded by this news as the government’s environmental credentials are far from sound. So far, for all the promises this administration floated before last election, Malta has gone from one environmental trouble to another. The latest seems to be that about high rise buildings. The apparent lack of planning in these projects with numerous towers being planned, coupled with the apparent lack of concern for the sentiments and needs of the residents that will be affected by these projects; projects which are turning characteristic villages into a high rise concrete jungle.
So whilst we are supposed to contemplate the setting up of a small forest, a veritable high rise jungle is going to become our country’s new reality. Meanwhile lack of respect for the ODZ, all in the name of development has further exacerbated this situation. All this within a context of an increase in health problems especially those of the respiratory kind and obesity, the result of lack of open spaces and pollution, a key area the Nationalist Party has been making strides in while in Opposition and during the last Gonzi administration. Simon Busuttil’s forthcoming approach towards nature sets the party on course to ensure Malta will no longer be crying out for its environment.
On behalf of the party, I will do my outmost to see full respect for our environment as outlined by our party’s declarations in regards to the ODZ as well as the Public Domain Bill. The need to not just preserve the countryside but also to create green spaces in our urban areas, accessible to the public, especially since I am coming from the Birkirkara and Santa Venera area.
People ought to not just see areas being built up, but have areas reserved to them where they can relax and enjoy their free time alongside their children. Green jobs and initiatives that favour nature should also be encouraged.
Therefore, I openly state that any initiative taken that favours and improves the environment, ought to be praised, whoever proposes it.
Justin Schembri is a PN Candidate for the upcoming ġeneral elections contesting the 8th District.
A version of this opinion was published on the Times of Malta on Tuesday 19th July 2016.
