The achievements, opportunities and challenges for Gozo in the context of the national energy plan and climate change were discussed during the 6th international Greening the Islands conference held in Palermo.

Speaking at the conference, the Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana, explained that Gozo has already started to implement some of the recommendations of the national plan for the island so that it also contributes to this global challenge.

She listed some of the measures announced by the Government in the national budget that, Dr Caruana said, will contribute to these challenges, such as those related to energy, transport, water, and to address the treatment of waste that is generated.

The Minister added that this also in the context of Gozo as an ecological island with the implementation of the Eco-Gozo strategy.

Minister Caruana said that among the main measures already being implemented is that of reducing carbon in the air, which will be achieved by changing the Gozo Ministry’s fleet of vehicles for electric ones.

She also mentioned the park and ride project, which will be offering services through the use of electric buses.

This is with a view to addressing the problem of parking in Mgarr and encourage new modes of transport that will eventually lead to less traffic on the roads, resulting in cleaner air for Gozo, the Minister said.

Dr Caruana also spoke about the work being done to preserve the groundwater by building a new reverse osmosis plant at Hondoq ir-Rummien, as well as a vast exercise for the rehabilitation of valleys, while the rebuilding of rubble walls will also complement the unique rural characteristics of the island, she said.

“All this complements the Government’s strategy to continue to introduce more new water facilities for Gozitan farmers,” said the Minister.

Dr Caruana stated that that “the Government is truly addressing the climate change challenge, as already announced, that single-use plastic technologies will be eliminated from 2021.

The Minister for Gozo concluded by saying, “it is a Government mission that Gozo really embraces and implements policies, projects and initiatives to have a green and blue economy that is strong, sustainable and thereby create more job opportunities.”

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