Koalizzjoni Ghal Ghawdex – is a coalition formed by three key Gozo-focused environmental and heritage NGOs, namely – Din L-Art Helwa Ghawdex, Ghawdix and Wirt Ghawdex, who have pledged to work together to protect and preserve the Gozitan built and natural heritage.
It stressed that ”the situation is at a tipping point, and there is no room for complacency, procrastination or political maneuvering.”
The Coalition stressed that, ”the situation is desperate, and sanity must be restored to planning policies and their underpinning political decisions to avoid further disasters for the island of Gozo.”
The three organisations represent diverse segments of Gozitan society and long-term, committed, Maltese and foreign residents of Gozo.
In a statement on Friday, Koalizzjoni Ghal Ghawdex said that, ”whilst continuing to operate as independent NGOs, the three organisations will speak out in one united voice to fight the many outrageous developments negatively impacting the Gozitan built environment, coast and countryside, reflecting the alarm and despair felt by most Gozo residents.”
Koalizzjoni Ghal Ghawdex said that it believes that, ”if we act now, we are still in time to save the unique characteristics of the island of Gozo for future generations.”
Koalizzjoni ghal Ghawdex explained that it will initially be focused on two elements. Firstly, lobbying the Government and the Planning Authority to close the existing loopholes in planning laws allowing unfettered inappropriate construction to destroy Gozo’s landscape.
Secondly, pressing the Government and planners to draw up a new long-term vision for Gozo, protecting its key resources, inherent beauty and tranquillity, that have drawn many people to its shores for decades.
They argued that Xlendi and Hondoq ir-Rummien are not St. George’s Bay and Bugibba. San Lawrenz, Qala and Xaghra are not Sliema, Msida and Gzira. ”The present ‘one-size-fits-all’ planning policies are not fit for purpose and need to be reviewed after proper consultation with communities, local councils, NGOs and the Gozo – based business bodies.”
Ghawdix, Wirt Ghawdex and Din L-Art Helwa Ghawdex, under the banner of Koalizzjoni ghal Ghawdex, declared that ”the situation in Gozo is at intolerable levels, and IMMEDIATE ACTION is necessary.”
The Coalition stated that it will ”work with the Government, mobilise public debate and opinion, and pursue every legal and constitutional avenue possible in defence of Gozo and its environment to ensure that public entities and officials do their duty.”
Photo by: Daniel Cilia – Koalizzjoni Ghal Ghawdex said that it believes that ”we are still in time to save the unique characteristics of the island of Gozo for future generations, if we act now.”