The National Environment Policy was launched today by Minister for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Mario de Marco is the result of a broad process of consultation with all stakeholders and will be in place until 2020.

A costing study for the proposals was carried out, for the implementation of the Policy and this amounted to € 2.1 billion. This amount means investing in the environment, health and quality of our lives, among others. The Minister said that hat 88% of this estimate has already been accounted for as well as funds from the European Union for this purpose, the Minister said.

The NEP is a comprehensive environmental policy covering all environmental sectors and natural resources, including air, waste, water, land, soil, climate, biodiversity, coastal and marine areas, noise, chemicals, and mineral resources. It covers, but is not restricted to, obligations stemming from the European Union environment acquis.

The consultation process was divided into three phases:

Phase 1: Identifying the issues

Phase 2: Development of options and selection of preferred option

Phase 3: Formulation of Policy

The National Environmental Policy is based on six key areas. These are the green economy, environmental health protection, the use of resources in an efficient and sustainable way with improvement of the local environment, the environment in Gozo and environmental sustainability. In order to achieve these objectives, the policy includes a set of specific initiatives that are measurable and time-bound and are also associated with a strong monitoring mechanism.

The Minister said that this document demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the sustainability and strengthening of the environment, which are areas that lead to better health and quality of life, which are necessary so that the country continues to attract investment and create jobs.

Besides recognising the international obligations that the country has for the environment, the policy goes beyond these requirements and also address areas that are European Union national requirements. These include areas such as noise from domestic sources, dust, as well other areas related to the local environment, the Minister concluded.

The National Environmental Policy can be found on www.tsdu.gov.mt/environment-nep. More information can be obtained by sending e-mail to envpolicy.mtce@gov.mt

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