Din l-Art Helwa Ghawdex is demanding the preservation of Victoria’s “green lung” for the “greater good.”
It explained that this is directly related to the decision to be taken by the PA this week on the green lung in Belliegha, Victoria, a parcel of land in the immediate vicinity of the Victoria school hub complex.
In a statement on Sunday, the NGO argued that “the general health and well-being of the majority of families with school age children and adolescents in Gozo is at stake.”
“According to a recent Globe study, the school hub area in Victoria is recording high, and well above average, amounts of pollution, nitrogen dioxide to be exact,” the NGO said.
DLH Ghawdex insisted that students and educators have a right to a better quality school life in a healthy environment.
It said that “if the PA approves the road planning application PC/00050/17 for the parcel of green land which is partially owned by the general public, pollution in this area will continue to increase effecting all the residents of the area and the school hub.”
“This is unacceptable,” DLH Ghawdex said, “and is not in line with the requirements of EU Directive 2016/2284 to reduce atmospheric pollutants.”
It stressed that, “preserving and enhancing the Green Lung is a way forward towards a healthier solution for the greater good of all.”
Formerly known as Agius de Soldanis Secondary school, the new school complex development has had all the gardens and open spaces which previously graced the school removed, the NGO said. “This was in order to squeeze in another new school within the same area thereby significantly increasing the building density of the school complex.”
It highlighted the fact that “human beings, particularly young minds are more open to find harmony and balance in nature. Their surroundings effect their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.”
“A true holistic investment in education needs to take into account all these aspects within the learning space and this can be done by utilising this nearby green space,” the NGO said. “This would be a new pedagogical approach where students can discover their symbiotic connection with nature.”
DLH Ghawdex insisted that this should be included in The Gozo Regional Development Strategy presented earlier this month that refers to a shared vision for Gozo. “The strategy needs to define a more innovative plan for improving and enhancing children’s education in Gozo for the next ten years.”
DLH Ghawdex concluded by stating “the eventual PA decision will either benefit the few or will the present and future generations of children. Which one will it be? An individual’s view of ‘My (perceived) right to build’ OR society’s ‘Our duty’ for mutual respect towards each other’s well-being and growth? And who will take responsibility for the consequences?”
“STOP VICTORIA ROAD- PC/00050/17 Participate in the PA’s board Meeting on the 10th of October, to OBJECT & SAVE OUR CHILDREN.”
Photos: DLH Ghawdex – Victoria’s Green Lung; Green Lung Balliegha enclave; and An already conjested and proposed new road