The Environment and Resources Authority recently
published the State of Environment Report which provides scientific
data on the status of the environment in
Malta between 2009-2015.
Some important
findings in the report include that Malta’s
population density is significantly higher than the EU average, which stand at
1,450.2/km2 and 118/km2 respectively and that despite a 49%
increase in environmental expenditure between 2008-2015, the country is still
finding it hard to decouple economic growth from waste generation.
Indeed, in
2015, Malta's production of waste was at an all-time high, which is very worrying when
one considers that Malta only recycles 7% of all
its waste.
Malta also saw an all-time high in the consumption
of billed electricity in 2015. During the same year, 35.6% of the development permits were granted on
virgin land, thus increasing
the cumulative impact of such development over the years. In the meantime, the stock of
licensed motor vehicles reached almost 350,000 by the same year.
The State of the Environment Report reveals that while some progress has been made on biodiversity
between 2009 and 2015, the other areas of the environment highlighted show a
negative state of affairs.
One must keep in
mind that in the recent years, Government has intensified its economic model. This is resulting in significant
environmental impacts which will likely feature in the next
State of Environment Report.
In particular,
one should refer to the rapid population growth through the importation
of workers, excessive dependency on construction and lack of foresight on
economic, social and environmental impacts beyond the current political cycle.
Whilst the Nationalist Party welcomes the contribution of workers and their
families to the Maltese economy and society, we believe that there should be a
rethink of Government’s fast-lane economic model to one which is based on
sustainability: Social, environmental and economic needs should be reconciled
through an evidence-based policy method that looks at short-term, medium-term
and long-term opportunities, impacts and risks.
Partit
Nazzjonalista is therefore highlighting a number of proposals related to the
greening of government, more community involvement in environmental protection,
and a European Union that listen’s to the environmental needs of small islands.
For example, we are proposing incentives for start-ups
in the circular economy and a green
innovation fund to adapt and innovate green technologies specific to the
Maltese context.
We are proposing better environmental enforcement and green
community officers. We are
proposing that residents should be incentivised to participate in
green activities, such as
local funds for tree planting schemes and community activities. We are also proposing the increased
availability of academic opportunities at tertiary level for research and education.
Government should be less bureaucratic and should have less top-down requirements for environmental NGOs
and other civil society exponents (e.g. artists, academics) for green funding
opportunities. Concurrently,
environmental NGOs and local councils should be assisted through funds
for appeals against major projects.
Partit Nazzjonalista agrees with the proposal of the Church Environment
Commission to transform the Malta Council for Economic and Social
Development into the
Malta Council for Sustainable Development. We also agree that sustainable development should be mainstreamed
in all the
public sector, under the responsibility
of the Prime Minister.
Partit Nazzjonalista is proposing
clear implementation so that all government run entities and
buildings should be zero carbon.
We also believe that mandatory greening should form part of public sector
development projects. The
Green Leaders initiative should be
effectively in place: All government entities should have an officer
responsible for green initiatives,
and the green procurement clause in public contracts
should be strengthened.
As regards Malta’s EU membership, we believe
that there should be
better monitoring and reporting of environmental standards to ensure better application of directives. We also believe that small islands should have special clauses to protect
the environment and to enhance sustainability. For example, Environment Impact
Assessments should also be applicable to small-scale development with
cumulative impacts on localities.
In the near future, specific policy proposals
in areas such as land development, transport, pollution and waste management
will also be announced by Partit Nazzjonalista. We
are consulting with stakeholders through an ongoing process so as to have the
best evidence-based policies possible.
