Six walking organisations, in a joint statement, have expressed their “grave concern” that the Government’s proposed planning reform poses a “severe threat to the pastime of the thousands of walkers who walk in the countryside.”

The organisations argued that the countryside has become “littered with illegally installed gates aimed at restricting the public’s right to access nature.”

The organisations stated that they “regularly challenge the legality of these gates which are installed without a permit.”

They warned that the planning reform will provide an amnesty for illegalities which also applies to illegally installed gates. This is applicable to all obstructions installed prior to the end of 2024.

The organisations also pointed out that “thanks to this amnesty, law breakers will be able to apply for a concession which will stop all enforcement against illegal gates. This threatens to undo all the work done in favour of public access performed by these organisations.”

To make matters worse these organisations said that they will “now be excluded from participating in the planning process, because they cannot participate in concession application. This will leave the way clear for those who want to privatise the countryside to do as they wish.”

The organisations concluded by saying that they are “disappointed that the issue of pastimes is being cynically exploited and pitted against the need for environmental protection, when thousands of people find their only relief in walking in the countryside, which threatens to be particularly hard hit by this planning reform.”

The joint statement has been signed by:

Ramblers’ Association of Malta

Malta Geographical Society

Trekking Malta

Trail Makers

Xir Cammini

Leisure Ventures.

Photo: Ramblers’ Association of Malta

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