Against the background of public statements and meeting sessions (some shrouded in secrecy) and in the absence of any public information exercise, even by MEPA itself, Victor Galea, AD spokesperson for Gozo and general secretary of the Green Party, once again emphasized the unique importance of Ta’ Cenc and Government’s duty and responsibility to declare this area as an Special Area of Conservation (a zone which qualifies for special conservation/protection measures) and that Ta’ Cenc should be included in the EU Natura 2000 list with immediate effect.
John Michael Mizzi, AD local Councillor for Sannat, drew attention to the fact that the current incumbent of the ministerial environmental portfolio, his predecessor, as well as MEPA itself, are fully aware of the strategical environmental importance of this area, having been provided with the report on the EIA. exercise carried out by the developer himself, which report was even on the MEPA’s website. These gentlemen should, by now, be fully aware of the priceless worth of flora and fauna to be found in this unique area, some of which are listed in the Habitats and Birds Directive.
Mr Mizzi referred to a particular bird species, the Short-toed Lark (Bilba in Maltese), which is listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive. This species was specifically mentioned in the above-mentioned studies and yet the Government has still refrained from taking the necessary action to declare this area as a Special Protection Area. EIA studies as well as research carried out by Birdlife have confirmed that Ta’ Cenc is the largest breeding ground in the Maltese Islands for this particular species. Mr Mizzi also highlighted the fact that reports originating from Brussels, which appeared on the local media, confirmed that the EU is not at all satisfied with the number of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated by Government in accordance with the Birds Directive and that much more needs to be done in this regard.
Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson, concluded by saying that, even if one were to take into account the above considerations alone, Government should not hesitate in declaring Ta’ Cenc as an area demanding special protection as part of Nature 2000. The need becomes even more compelling if Government acts on its declaration that the Environment is one of the three major pillars of its Policy direction. By shrouding projects in secrecy, discouraging transparency, and restricting info to the public domain, Government is not promoting its “Together, everything is possible,” mission statement. This leaves no option for AD but to keep the EU authorities informed of the situation, in keeping with the party’s 20 year old efforts to safeguard and protect the environment for us and for future generations.