Local NGO Nadur Nadif [1] has highlighted the fact that “countless voices have passionately echoed concerns about the insufficient investment in preserving the natural environment of the picturesque island of Gozo.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the NGO stressed that “at the heart of our shared conviction is the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to play a role in environmental preservation. Regrettably, recent events have only heightened the urgency of addressing this pressing matter.”
“In our ongoing efforts, we have managed to collect over 2,347 garbage bags from the Gozitan countryside, illustrating the pressing need for collective action,” the NGO said.
It insisted that, “true progress however, requires coordinated efforts from both citizens and governing bodies. Which doesn’t seem to be the case in Gozo.”
The NGO noted that “for instance, entire campaigns, such as the launch of CleanMalta with its app, 1718 customer service phone number, and new equipment, have paved the way for citizen participation in Malta.”
“Although the task at hand is massive, it has proven helpful in stemming the tide,” the NGO said. “However, the app, which also functions in Gozo, has not been promoted in the region.”
It argued that the failure to promote the app in Gozo “signifies a missed opportunity” for residents to actively engage in environmental protection.
Compounding the issue is the absence of an Environment Protection Unit (EPU) in Gozo [2], as highlighted in a recent statement by the Malta Ranger Unit, allowing illegal activities to persist unchecked.
The NGO noted that “another year has passed without the implementation of this crucial unit, which would be instrumental in curbing environmental violations on the island.”
Moreover, Nadur Nadif said that adding to its concerns is the recent loss of at least two bring-in sites (out of 3) in the village of Nadur.
“These sites, which served as a crucial service for citizens to recycle, paving the way for sustainability and the circular economy, have been removed (at least for now),” it said.
The NGO stressed that “Nadur’s plight represents a setback in the broader effort to establish environmentally responsible practices on the island.”
Nadur Nadif concluded by calling upon all relevant authorities and agencies to “fulfil their responsibilities and actively invest in the long-term sustainability plan for the island of Gozo. Urgent action is required to address the pressing environmental issues.”
Photos: Nadur Nadif – Top clean up in January in area known as tax-Xep; and below: Nadur Nadif highlights the “difference between the MyGozo (left) and CleanMalta (right) app”