Nature Trust – FEE Malta has welcomed the Green budget initiatives announced in the 2021 budget, noting that Malta aims to go for carbon-neutral status by the year 2050.

The organisation in a statement said that it also welcomes the drive towards renewable energy, and also the focus on eliminating single-use plastics once and for all from the Maltese Islands in line with European Union targets

Nature Trust went on to say that it is also pleased to see that the greening of Malta is somehow still on the cards; however, it still awaits the long-overdue Government vision to fully protect the few natural sites left in our Islands.

“Whilst it is good to green village cores and town centres,” NTM pointed out that no mention has been made of the restoration of existing natura 2000 sites and their long-term upkeep for future generations to enjoy.

“This pussyfooting around plays into the hands of whoever would like to continue abusing our ever-dwindling countryside,” the organisation said.

As stated by the EU, it is necessary to look at sustainable development if one professes to have a long-term vision as opposed to mere reactive crisis management.

The NGO stated that it “now hopes that the natural environment will also be given the weighting it deserves, especially in all projects and planning decisions, in order to halt the degradation of the remaining natural habitats in the Maltese Islands. This is even more important if Malta is to start investing in quality tourism in the post-Covid period.”

Finally Nature Trust – FEE Malta concluded by saying that it looks forward to having the Rangers announced in the budget for all protected sites, “with the hope that the much-needed enforcement in this sphere is given priority.”

Photograph by Alain Salvary

Permalink: Nature Trust – FEE Malta welcomes the Budget’s green initiatives