Be the first to comment!More funds needed for environmental conservation and protection – NTM
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Nature Trust – FEE Malta is urging the Finance Minister to allocate more funds towards environmental conservation and protection.
On the eve of the presentation of the budget for 2018, the ENGO, in a statement noted that now Malta has achieved a surplus in its budget, “it is about time that one of the pillars of sustainable development – the environment, with special reference to our natural heritage, is given the attention it deserves after decades of neglect.”
NT-FEE Malta put forward some suggestions for attention in the coming budget, such as funding towards the implementation of the management plans for the Natura 2000 sites.
“In this way these areas will offer green open spaces for the well being of society and also to help promote quality tourism such as Eco Tourism and Trekking Tourism,” it said.
NTM also mentioned funds for the creation of proper Marine Protected Areas and their implementation including zonation such as no take zones, diving zones, etc.
“This would help to make Diving Tourism a value for money activity and, at the same time, protect marine ecology through caring capacity and controlled tourism, such as Trieste where diving Tourism is a major activity.”
Another suggestion by the ENGO was funding for law enforcement to set up “Environmental Crime Police to be able to take action on illegal dumping, littering, illegal development, environmental degradation, illegal hunting and biodiversity protection.”
The setting up of CCTV systems on ecological important sites, was put forward as well as afforestation projects and site identification to help combat climate change, improve air quality and offer more sites for the public to enjoy.
NTM also said that there should be funding to designate more national Parks and their implementation and management.
“The ever- increasing pressure caused by urban sprawl in ODZ, illegal hunting, off-roading and dumping, together with the huge waste management and transport problems puts further responsibility on all citizens and leaders to embrace the little that’s left and do our utmost to protect it. This is vital for the wellbeing of society,” concluded NT-FEE Malta.
Photograph by NTM Pembroke Tower
