A delegation from Nature Trust (Malta) made up of the President V. Attard, Conservation Officer A. Deidun, Project Coordinator O. Bonavia and Legal advisor H. Theuma have had a meeting with Malta labour Party Officials.

During the meeting the NGO presented and discussed its proposals to political parties with MLP President Dr Zrinzo and Shadow Minister for Environment Mr R Galdes.

NTM said that it appreciated the MLP’s proposals which included environmental issues and was very happy to note that political parties like the MLP were taking the environment on a higher agenda for the upcoming elections.

The issues of land use and ODZ permits, nature protection and site management, marine conservation areas, water and water extraction. Air quality and climate change, renewable energy, law enforcement and park rangers, a national strategy for waste for our Islands, Environmental education and Ekoskola, NGO legislation, animal awareness and MEPA reform were also discussed.

With regards to MEPA, the urgent need to reform MEPA was stressed and also that the environment needs to be given more weight in the decision making process. The NGO also highlighted the fact that environmental projects presented by NGos where often taking too long to be approved by MEPA, with the consequent risk of funds being lost due to strict deadlines from donors such as the EU.

Nature Trust also presented its proposals to the MLP officials for the Wied il Qleigha and Wied il Ghasel conservation Project and hoped that this project would take off soon in a joint venture with the new Government. The issues of public transport was also discussed

NTM thanked the MLP for giving it the opportunity to express its opinion as an NGO and stated that it will be willing to work with anyone in Government for the benefit of our natural heritage.