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Hi All,
On Monday 27th October 2008, a coalition of environmental NGOs presented the Prime Minister with their submissions toward the MEPA reform process currently underway. The document represents the views of Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, the Gaia Foundation, the Light Pollution Awareness Group, the Malta Organic Agriculture Movement, the Ramblers Association ( Malta ), and the Save Wied Garnaw Action Group. It was drawn up on their behalf by Catherine Polidano.
The NGOs supporting this document maintain that the current planning process is urgently in need of reform and make 74 recommendations aimed at restoring credibility to and establishing sustainability in Malta ’s development planning system as well as creating a level playing field for all stakeholders in the interest of current and future generations. To download the NGOs MEPA reform document CLICK HERE.
These points were put across to the Prime Minister and MEPA Chairman Austin Walker during our presentation session. The Prime Minister voiced himself all in favour of clamping down on further development of the countryside, other than bona-fide agricultural structures. On the subject of urban development however, the PM maintained that he is in favour of further construction as long as it does not destroy heritage structures. This leaves us very concerned as regards over-development in the light of the fact that Malta already has 70,000 empty housing units. It is therefore up to all of us to raise issues of congestion of our towns and villages, traffic pollution, noise and dust from construction sites, third party rights (damage limitation and compensation) as well as residents’ rights to light and air.
On the last issues, this was a milestone week for us, with MEPA admitting that the Local Plans are flawed in certain cases, and calling for a partial review before taking a decision on the Art Nouveau Dingli Street houses. In another decision MEPA’s DCC board refused a permit even though it had been officially recommended for granting due to the fact that it would intrude too much on the back gardens. This means that future plans for this site should hopefully grant the neighbours a decent level of light and air, as well as accommodating the protected old Norfolk Pine (Awrikarja) in the garden. Finally in B’bugia MEPA heeded our submissions to save a centuries-old farmhouse surrounded by ancient olive trees as well as the most sustainable heritage farm holding and orchard in Malta which were designated for the building of garages and three-storey houses. These are now to provide recreational areas and possibly a civic centre as we have been discussing with B’bugia Local Council, while we will continue to work on our agro-tourism project on the Ghalqa tal-Papa to protect the rare species on this site as well as to raise awareness of the agricultural and wartime heritage of the area.
One can find all these Press Releases published by FAA in the past week by accessing the following link: http://www.ambjentahjar.org/pressrelease.asp
The Malta Chamber of Planners is organising a Business Breakfast on the topic of Planning for the future. This business breakfast will be held on the 7th of November at the Dolmen Resort Hotel. This is sure to be interesting as land use planning affects us all and this event will tackle the existing situation, the need of policy review, different planning systems, the role of planning and its contribution to the country particularly in the scenario of a slowing economic outlook and beyond. We are attaching to this newsletter the programme for this event including contact details for those who opt to participate. The Chamber of Planners has kindly offered a discounted rate of €10 to FAA members so email us if you should wish to attend and benefit from this rate.
In view of our forthcoming art exhibition to be held at the Casino Maltese, Valletta , the Casino is extending an invitation to its Pasta Nights to FAA members. Besides a very enticing Pasta Buffet menu (attached), the event will include music and dancing to 60s ,70s and 80s music. Casino Maltese has very kindly offered FAA a little donation for every member who books in; the deadline for bookings is 8th November and places are limited, so we suggest you forward us your booking requests as soon as possible on contact@ambjentahjar.org.
The Institute for Environmental Studies is pleased to announce that a course on Wildlife and Habitats of the Maltese Islands II is being organised between the 17th and 26th November, 2008. Following the successful response to the introductory course on local flora, fauna and habitats held earlier this year, this intermediate level course provides further knowledge of the terrestrial natural habitats and associated flora and fauna. Lectures will be delivered by leading local experts on biodiversity and the natural environment of the Maltese Islands . The closing date for applications is Wednesday 5th November, but early booking is recommended to ensure participation. We are also attaching the flyer for this course together with links to download all relevant documents. A Certificate of attendance will be awarded to participants who complete the course. Any participants who wish to attend are welcome to contact Ms. Julie Tabone on telephone number 356 2143 1910. A discount of 10% will be given to NGO members.
Have a great weekend.
Regards,
The Committee
Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar
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