The educational sector is an effective and fundamental means through which awareness is increased and which also serves to instill new ideas and proposals of lifestyles that better conform with the eco-Gozo concept. This is what the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, said during a meeting which she had with representatives from the educational sector on Gozo. This was another in a series of meetings being held as part of the public consultation process regarding Government's proposal to convert Gozo into an ecological island.

During this meeting Minister Debono met with the Gozo College principal, the heads of ITS and MCAST in Gozo as well as a representative of the Gozo University Group. Gozo Ministry officials working on the eco-Gozo project gave details and shared views with these members coming from the educational camp on Gozo. This related with what has been proposed in this regard especially where it concerns Gozitan pupils and students currently attending schools and other educational institutions.

Other possibilities connected with the eco-Gozo vision were also discussed, particularly those associated with the social aspect of this concept. The inclusion of specific educational programmes, aimed at instilling respect for the natural environment, as well as those promoting healthier lifestyles, would both be instrumental in the realization of this ambitious project and will also ensure that this project will truly prove beneficial towards the island's future.

The eco-Gozo consultation process, which was launched last July, aims to give one and all the opportunity to participate through ideas and suggestions. Following the distribution of a special publication in each Gozitan household, a considerable number of contributions were received either by mail or through the specially set-up website www.eco-gozo.gov.mt.

This process is being strengthened through dialogue with various Gozitan NGOs and other entities together with the Gozitan Local Councils and other persons who are experts in related fields. This will ensure that the strategy, which is to be drafted in the coming weeks, will encompass a wide spectrum of perspectives that will increase the potential of success of this ambitious project.