Nature Trust (Malta) has said that it welcomes the bold and courageous decision taken by the Minster for Rural Affairs and Environment for the forced resignation of the MEPA Board Vice Chair and DCC Chair.

Over the past years MEPA and DCC boards have been giving the Green light to development in ODZ areas when it is the responsibility of the same authority to protect these sites from development. NTM has been registering objections and complaints on such permits. Despite's the Minister's promise that development in ODZ areas will not be permit such permits have been ongoing from the DCC boards. NTM has often asked for action regarding the approval of permits in ODZ by DCC boards. MEPA should also abandon its policy of condoning the felling of protected mature trees in return for the planting of young trees somewhere else.

NTM now urges the Minister and Government to ensure that MEPA stands up for what it has been entrusted to do - that is also protect the environment. Those within MEPA who fail to do so should be made to resign and be accountable for their actions.

Development in ODZ and abuses can no longer be tolerated in an Island were land use problem is one of the major environmental problems.