Regarding the statements made today by the St. John's Foundation and Din l-Art Helwa, both bodies fail to mention the fact that the St. John's underground project has been slammed by MEPA. Having seen the updated St. John's project files at MEPA, Flimkien g?al Ambjent A?jar can inform the public that in a letter to the St. John's Foundation, MEPA's Planning Director has dubbed the project to excavate St. John's Street and Square a "non starter" due to the risk of potential damage to the foundations of St John's Cathedral and reminded the architect that a number of heritage protection entities had already recommended that another building in Valletta be used for the Foundation's expansion requirements. As for comments ... Read more...

The importance of placing the citizen and his well-being at the centre of Mepa reform was the main thrust of Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar's (FAA) discussions during a recent cordial meeting with the Prime Minister and Mr. Austin Walker, Mepa Chairman. FAA emphasised the fact that the country cannot afford to wait the length of time required for a well-studied reform of MEPA without adopting interim measures, as more highly damaging permits are being issued all the time. While it is not against development, FAA highlighted the fact that a number of measures can be enacted almost immediately and independently of MEPA reform, helping to ensure that development is sustainable. This was reflected in FAA's stand on the need for a review ... Read more...

Din l-Art Helwa recognises that the existing exhibition spaces at St John's Co-Cathedral Museum are in need of refurbishment. Furthermore, the spaces are not large enough to exhibit the unique historic Tapestries which are undergoing restoration, as well as many other artefacts which cannot be displayed in the existing spaces. In principle Din l-Art Helwa is therefore in favour of the search for solutions to increase the exhibition spaces of the Museum. The Maltese public, as well as visitors, stand to benefit from the display of a larger number of artefacts, especially considering the exceptional quality and historic importance of these objects. It is imperative that the collection of original artefacts of St John's is kept together and not dispersed in other museums or ... Read more...

BirdLife Malta today welcomed the hunting ban after 3 pm between the 15th and 30th of September as announced by L.N. 184 of 2008 of yesterday. Joseph Mangion, President of BirdLife Malta said, "The hunting ban after 3 pm during the peak migration of birds of prey in September is a necessary measure to avoid the killing of these protected species by poachers. Last year's ban proved to be effective as it helped the law enforcement units that monitor the hunting hotspots with their limited resources." The conservation organisation on the other hand expressed its disappointment regarding the opening of the trapping season for four species that are not included in the list of species that can be trapped till the end ... Read more...

The Federation for Hunting & Conservation has issued a statement saying that last nights legal notice regarding the autumn hunting and trapping open seasons, was dictated by BirdLife (Malta) to the Nationalist government. The Federation said they are sure that the same Nationalist government will leave no stone unturned to once more accommodate BirdLife (Malta) who are pulling the Nationalist government strings regarding anything to do with local hunting and trapping practices. The Federation went on to say that last nights legal notice reflects exactly Birdlife (Malta) requests and contention at the last Ornis Committee - Malta meeting when they were outvoted. They obviously knew that they could rely on the Nationalist government to save the day on their behalf, FKNK said. The Federation added that "the ... Read more...

The Views of Gozo (1800 - 1940) in the National Collection - A collective exhibition of paintings from the National Collection depicting views of Gozo throughout the ages, is now continuing at the Victoria Citadel. This exhibition, originally organised by Heritage Malta and the Gozo Cultural Council for the Gozo 1,2,3,4 event at the Banca Guiratale in Victoria, is now showing at the Heritage Malta Gozo Area Office, at the Victoria Citadel. Entrance to the exhibition is free and it is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.00pm until the 12th of September.

The Ramblers Association of Malta (RAM) held their last walk of the season as a protest to highlight the serious problems of accessibility in and degradation of the countryside at Fomm ir-Rih in Malta. The Association said that the situation at Fomm ir-Rih is symptomatic of the problems of accessibility to and degradation of the countryside that walkers encounter daily throughout Malta and Gozo. RAM said it has also promised its members that a more aggressive approach would be taken in the coming months since "years of complaints and objections have proven futile." A large group of ramblers headed down towards the bay to where the official pathway is completely obliterated. The protest highlighted a number of illegalities, such as the building of a concrete road outside ... Read more...

Part of tac-Cawla Street on the outskirts of Victoria is currently being rehabilitated and asphalted by the Victoria Local Council. The works are being carried out and financed under an agreement signed by the council with Dolores Cristina when she was still the Minister responsible for Family and Social Solidarity.

The government has announced the dates for the Autumn hunting season, following the recommendations made by the ORNIS committee. Hunting from land will be allowed from two hours before sunrise till two hours after sunset between the 1st of September 2008 and the 31st of January 2009. Hunting on Sundays and public holidays will only be allowed up to 1.00pm. In order to protect birds of prey, hunting from land will not be allowed between 3.00pm and two hours before sunrise, between the 15th to 30th of September 2008. Hunting from boats will be allowed from the 1st of October 2008 to the 31st of January 2009. The trapping of song birds is to be allowed between the 1st of October and the 31st of December ... Read more...

AD Chairperson Prof. Arnold Cassola, Secretary General Victor Galea and Spokesperson on Sustainable Development and Local Government Carmel Cacopardo have presented AD's proposals on the Rent Reform White Paper to Minister for Social Policy John Dalli. Prof. Cassola said, "AD has put the issue, which was neglected for years on end - since the war - back on the agenda and has achieved its aim of initiating the reform process. We are glad that now finally all those affected are being given the opportunity to make their proposals for a better and more just law." AD spokesperson Carmel Cacopardo who prepared AD's position paper said, "The state has to shoulder the burden of social housing : This is ... Read more...