Alternattiva Demokratika has said that the protection of the whole Ta' Cenc area by MEPA is a positive step in serious and effective protection of open spaces, but pointed out that it is now time to concentrate on Hondoq ir-Rummien, which is also under threat from greed and speculation.

AD spokesperson on sustainable development and local government Carmel Cacopardo said, "It is pertinent to note that this protection has come after years on end of protests and objections to the proposed development in the area which is now, at long last protected. AD has invested, together with the majority of NGOs, countless hours and effort in campaiging for the protection of Ta' Cenc. Government, through MEPA has at last given in and through MEPA extendeding protection to the whole of Ta' Cenc."

AD Sannat Councillor, John Michael Mizzi added, "Had it not been for AD and NGOs who voluntarily and in a selfless manner focused on the issue, Ta' Cenc would still be under threat of so called development. Now that Ta' Cenc has been saved, it is time to concentrate on Hondoq ir-Rummien, which is also under threat of greed and speculation."

AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola said, "Malta's membership in the European Union has saved Ta' Cenc from destruction. According to some sections of the media the developer accompanied by public officials went to Brussels to pressure EU institutions into letting him develop parts of Ta' Cenc. It is also known that meetings were also held on the quiet with opposers of the project to try and convince them to drop their opposition to the unsustainable and destructive project in one of the most pristine natural areas in Gozo. Government resistance to EU requests to protect Ta' Cenc was blatantly obvious throughout the years. This time the EU has managed to prevent the destruction. AD will remain vigilant and ensure that the little remaining countryside is protected for today's and tomorrow's generations."