The Ghal Ghawdex Forum is another voice coming forward to welcome the first regional planning policy to be introduced for Gozo by new Planning Minister and Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri.

The Forum said that it believes that this decision represents a positive step in the right direction, “leading to a sustainable balance between the need to drive economic prosperity and protecting and preserving the island’s heritage and long-term distinctiveness.”

The Forum also noted with satisfaction that this initiative, is “clearly reflected in the Forum’s initial policy proposals, which called for the use of traditional materials for all new buildings, with traditional limestone or constituted stone being made compulsory on all facades, is coming into effect.”

However, the Forum highlighted that “whilst this is a step in the right direction, this decision should be but the first step in the introduction of other measures which should lead towards a regional planning approach for the island, and for the adoption of more policies in this respect.”

Ghal Ghawdex also noted that this decision comes shortly after the partial implementation of one of the key Ghal Ghawdex fiscal proposals in the last budget. Within this context it again asked the Ministry for Finance to “consider all its fiscal proposals which would incentivise good and sustainable development.

The Forum stressed that that it believes that all these proposals and initiatives complement each other to safeguard the environment of the island.

It added that, “all this does not diminish in any way the need for the strict enforcement of both the letter and the spirit of current policies, rules and regulations.”

“Such an approach will eliminate planning loopholes, and thus lead the way for correct decision-making and interpretation,” it said.

The Forum concluded by saying that “this, together with other initiatives, would begin to instill the belief that there is some commitment to respect the built and natural environment of the island, bringing relief and hope back to its residents, high quality tourists and all the people who love the island for all its distinctive qualities.”

The Ghal Ghawdex Forum is the collective voice of environmental NGOs Din L- Art Helwa Ghawdex, Ghawdix and Wirt Ghawdex, Gozo Business Chamber, Gozo Tourism Association, Gozo University Group and Regjun Ghawdex representing the fourteen local councils in Gozo.

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