Rangers from the Malta Ranger Unit on Gozo, said that they ”came across an illegal fire in Ghasri, where an individual was seen burning plastic material. The thick smoke spread across the area and polluted the air.”

”This case it was documented by the Rangers, who then alerted ERA – Environment and Resources Authority,” the MRU said. ”Once arriving on site, the offender had left. We wish to thank the ERA Officer for the assistance.”

The MRU said that it has been assured that the owner of the field will be spoken to.

The MRU warned that ”without any patrolling Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) Police in Gozo, environmental crimes are thriving and offenders are feeling great impunity. Very few seem to think that their actions will have consequences.”

”The chance of getting reported is low due to the island being small and people not prone to report out of fear,” the MRU said.

It pointed out that ”the chance of getting spotted by an Authority is nearly non-existent without patrolling units from the Authorities.The chance of getting caught, If reported, is low without a dedicated specialised EPU Police.”

The Malta Ranger Unit recently launched a petition calling for the creation of an Environmental Police Unit on Gozo.

The MRU warned that ”insufficient enforcement may lead to increasing environmental abuse, with serious consequences for the environment and for future generations.”

The petition can be read and signed here in English and here in Maltese. The MRU said ”please make sure to verify your signature afterwards by clicking on the link sent to your email.”

Photo: MRU

Permalink: ”Illegal waste fire in Gozo, still without Environmental Police” – MRU