PL and NGOs discuss views on environment, and mental and physical health

by Gozo News · April 17, 2026

PL and NGOs discuss views on environment, and mental and physical health As part of its 2026 congress, the Labour Party invited NGOs to discuss their views and aspirations for the future in the fields of environment, mental and physical health, said Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar

The consultation with NGOs opened with Dr Alex Sciberras, PL CEO, giving the message that ”now that Malta has established a strong economy, it’s time to look to the well-being of its people.”

This led to several key issues, with President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca linking open spaces to children’s health, stating that in extensive interviews with schoolchildren, the leading demand was for more green spaces, and with passing years this demand has grown ever stronger, as children have become more aware, also of the need to preserve important buildings.

Perit Patrick Calleja of Din l-Art Helwa continued by saying that the Planning Authority was ”not doing its duty to protect communities and that people of proven integrity are needed to correctly interpret planning regulations and decide on permits.”

He stressed that ”instead, the public is left to fight planning battles and take on appeals”

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) welcomed the decision on Manoel Island while other NGOs supported the new emphasis on well-being, but said that this required a radical re-think of the country’s economy, away from rampant development and mega-projects requiring more foreign workers, stressing Government’s social obligations and the unaffordability of property for young couples.

While moderator Phelim Cavlan tried to direct discussion to positive suggestions for the future, Astrid Vella of FAA insisted that change can only come about if the ”stranglehold of several powerful developers who are above the law continues ruining the islands.”

She stated that ”they control every authority, including the Planning Authority, ERA, BCA and TM, while even the Police hold back from reining them in.”

Turning to health, Dr Paul Portelli (BirdLife Malta) underlined Malta’s obligation to implement the Nature Restoration Law using a scientific and ecological approach. Emphasising the importance of mental health in quality of life, he highlighted that mental health problems have been aggravated by over-development, noise, air and sea pollution as well as traffic.

Antonia Micallef (BirdLife Malta) emphasised the need to prioritise nature more explicitly within political discussions, calling for immediate and decisive action to compensate for the harm done to nature in the past. She also highlighted that access to nature is essential for all, particularly for those who cannot afford to seek it abroad.

Perit Beverley Costa of Project Green explained how their parks are designed in keeping with the surrounding context and needs of the users. Tracy Zammit of Richmond Foundation reported that awareness has increased and the stigma surrounding mental health issues has greatly diminished in recent years. Still, Astrid Vella (FAA) stated that the authorities ”lack the courage to take the unpopular steps necessary to bring about real change, typified by the refusal to undertake carrying capacity studies which would indicate the very solutions being sought at the PL consultation session.”

She stressed that ”traffic emissions contribute to mental problems and dementia, while pulmonary problems are the third leading killer in Malta, yet Government ignores advice to introduce electric mini-busses for public transport, as Ministers prefer lucrative mega-projects to more modest workable solutions.”

Ms Vella warned that new legislation on tourist accommodation ”does little to reduce the glut of hotel applications, in fact, this announcement coincided with the news of a further three large hotels to be built in Sliema.”

Ms Vella stressed that environment and public health ”are not the sole responsibility of the Ministers for Environment or Health, no matter how well-meaning; without genuine Cabinet commitment involving the Ministries of Planning, Lands, Tourism, Transport and Infrastructure, (none of whom were not represented) little will change.”

Dr Sciberras concluded that ”much more needs to be done to protect our wellbeing and quality of life. Whilst the state and its authorities carry the highest burden, requiring political courage and determination, a better Malta requires us all to play our part.”