THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND ENTERPRISE National Strategy for the Environment 2050 launched for public consultation

The Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) have launched the National Strategy for the Environment 2050 for public consultation.

A first for Malta, the National Strategy for the Environment (NSE) defines the core objectives of the country’s future actions, policy plans and investments for a better quality of life, a healthier, sustainable environment and a climate neutral economy.

The strategy focuses on eight strategic goals, namely clean air, quality neighbourhoods, zero waste, sustainable water resources, flourishing seas, resilient land resources, thriving biodiversity and enabling the green transition.

Addressing the launch of the public consultation, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli explained that this is not just a strategy for the government. “This is a strategy for a nation. It spells out the rights and duties of everyone individuals, localities, the public sector, voluntary organisations and the private sector as we work together to tackle our principal environmental challenges today, so that we and our children can enjoy healthier, more sustainable lifestyles in the next three decades.”

“We want everyone to have their say and participate in this consultation. The final strategy must truly belong to us all, because only together we can give our country a greener future,” stated Minister Dalli.

She continued that the Government is already working to attain the strategy’s goals. “We are investing in decarbonisation with multi million schemes for new renewable energy systems and incentives for electric vehicles and low energy buildings. Earlier this year we announced Malta’s greatest ever public investment in parks, public gardens and other green spaces in our localities. We are also introducing more measures to reduce waste to landfills and to reuse and recycle. The planning of the Ecohive waste to energy project is at an advanced stage as well,” Minister Dalli explained.

The NSE is derived from the ‘Wellbeing First Vision for Malta’s Environment 2050’, which was adopted in November 2020. The NSE translates this vision into more specific strategic goals and objectives for the next 30 years. This strategy was drafted by ERA following an extensive consultation process with over 60 stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, the business community and the voluntary sector.

Kevin Mercieca, ERA’s Acting CEO, stated that the Authority will be focusing on the implementation of this strategy. “The NSE addresses the key drivers behind our national environmental challenges, pushing for sustainable economic growth whilst laying out what can enable the required green transition through a range of effective policy responses.”

The NSE consultation document and other related details are available at https://era.org.mt/nse2050/. ERA invites the public to participate in this consultation process by sending feedback by email on nse@era.org.mt, until Friday, 21st October 2022.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister