GREEN JOBS FOR GREEN GOZO

On Sunday Tuesday 15th March 2009, Arnold Cassola, the Malta Green Party leader and candidate for the European Parliament elections of the 6th June accompanied one of the farmers member of the Ager Foundation and a group of German tourists on one of his farms.

Prof Arnold Cassola and myself emphasised the importance of a government strategy for the development of rural and alternative tourism niches that would also create innovative employment in this region and for which the European Union allots considerable funds. On the way down the citrus garden, the German delegation could notice the destruction going on the pristine land the construction of the new Nadur cemetery and they wondered how such a project copuld take place on thjis pristine land!

We said that Government continues to brand Gozo as an eco-island, and, unbelievably, this has not yet been substantiated by an eco-tourism plan that would highly benefit Gozo and the stakeholders within such sectors.

Rightly so, Arnold Cassola declared that Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) maintains that a sustainable ecological tourist strategy for Gozo demands clear consolidated planning rather than random ministerial declarations with no end in sight. MEPA has a legal responsibility to safeguard Gozo’s environment. Public opinion believes that this environmental watchdog is increasingly becoming complacent with monied applicants and then toughens its stand with the weaker ones.

Alternattiva Demokratika strongly believes that Gozo has an inherent basis for such innovative tourism niches. It observes the futility of government and local authorities attempts to promote Gozo as a distinct tourist destination when professional training leading to entrepreneurial initiatives in eco- and agri-tourism is nonexistent in our University and Institute of Tourism Studies. Consequently these sectors lack qualified personnel and any such investment is disabled from its inception stage.

Prof Cassola added that the Government needs to recognise the financial potential of this tourism sector for our islands’ domestic product, and its special significance to Gozo where tourism suffers seasonal downturns. Such niche tourism projects fit Gozo’s low tourist season when paradoxically it is during such winter months that nature blesses its valleys and hills in an abundance of green scenery.

Alternattiva Demokratika has for years been reiterating that Gozo could be the model for the development of niche tourism and its innovative employment opportunities.

AD's proposal three years ago for Gozo to become an eco-island was meaningful and realistic and certainly not a promotional exercise. The Party believed then and now that Gozo and its residents deserve a clean environment, rich in its traditions and offerings for the benefit of the islanders and its guests. Gozitans and environmentally-conscious individuals want decisive implementation of such tourism projects instead of repeated monotonous declarations and promises.

The 7th wonder of Gozo

On the anniversary of MEPA's enforcement to stop further construction of a 2-storey concrete building in Dwejra, Gozo, Alternattiva Demokratika celebrated symbolically this "first anniversary of shame" when the Party's two European Parliament candidates and members of the Gozo Regional Council visited the site.

Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros, AD's candidate in the forthcoming elections for the European Parliament remarked, "It is truly shameful that the Prime Minister, responsible for the environment and its impact on the tourist sector, failed to take action to safeguard this unique site in the Maltese islands. On the pretext that the Authorities are investigating irregularities concerning its approved plan, he permits such a scandal to remain stark naked a year later to all the thousands of visitors in guided tours to the Inland Sea."

During this press conference I stressed that for one whole year a number of environmental organizations have been appealing to the Prime Minister to settle various issues regarding this officially heralded Heritage Park, intended to be the first of its kind for Gozo.

This project stuttered from its very beginning when MEPA took over one and a half years to sanction the Dwejra Action Plan. In March 2007 European Union funds for this project were no longer available. Since then no steps were taken for the continued protection of this site; consequently, we have today a glaring scandal of this advertised heritage zone, listing 80 irregularities ranging from illegal structures, unsanctioned extensions of stone quarries and illegal dumping of construction waste and other refuse on public pathways.

Dr Arnold Cassola emphasized, "It is absolutely urgent that an illusory Management Board wakes up from its deep slumber, and that site managers are appointed according to the recent recommendations of the European Union which had provided adequate funds for the continued protection of this site. The Dwejra Management Board shoulders a grave responsibility and is urgently requested to settle the issue of this monstrous concrete structure already one year on since MEPA declared these works to be in contravention to its own approval plan."

"It is unfair that whereas the ordinary citizen faces stiff fines, Government and its affiliate authorities carry on in their routine administrative tasks as if no illegalities did ever occur. The public silently stands to watch these injustices."

Prof Cassola concluded by saying, "Alternattiva Demokratika again calls upon the Gozo Associations, especially the Gozo Tourist Association and the Gozo Chamber of Commerce to represent, as they are bound to do, the issues that interest Gozo best, to positively criticize where needed and not to prioritise their political alliances at the cost of delayed development of Gozo as a European region."

The Provision Of An Efficient and Ecological Transport System in Gozo

What?
Can you say that again please?

To a non-green individual, such a statement may sound bizarre.

To a green person, the notion to improve the ecological efficiency of the land and marine public transport system is a must.

Much has been said about eco-Gozo especially before last general election.

Last week-end the Association of Local Councils, organised a seminar at Ta' Cenc Hotel. The Green Party Leader, Arnold Cassola, was invited as an observer. It was announced that preparations were under way for the joint signing, by all the 14 Gozitan Mayors, of the European Local Council Agreement.

By supporting such a holistic vision, the Gozitan Local Mayors have made a significant step forward towards the elimination of the petty divisions which characterize local politics in these islands, especially in Gozo. The European Local Council Agreement lays strong emphasis on the reconversion of the public transport system in European cities with a view to reduce pollution and energy waste while at the same time render it more sustainable and provide a better service to the citizens.

Now, Gozo has a golden opportunity to reduce pollution caused by present public transport system, both by sea and on land, whilst, at the same time, to provide an excellent service which make sense in today`s needs.

The reform in the public transport system in Gozo should ensure that all public transport vehicles, including buses and minibuses, should be powered by hydrogen, methane gas or electrical energy to reduce air pollution which is causing so much harm to people`s health. It is a pity that bio-diesel is still not available on the island of Gozo.

With regard to transport by sea, Alternattiva Demokratika would like to remind Government that this is the year when Gozo Channel`s monopoly in the provision of the public sea transport to and from Gozo has to come to an end. AD therefore strongly recommends to the Minister concerned that, apart from provisions safeguarding the employment of all the workers involved and all the social aspects, a clause should also be included, in the new tender, binding the winning tenderer to reduce to a minimum the pollution and energy consumption levels by the ships providing the service.

The Malta Government should not once again lose the opportunity, as happened in the past, to apply for funds from the European Union through the Marco Polo Program, whose call for applications opened again on the 10 February this year. Arnold Cassola added that these funds would help the Company, awarded the tender, to expand the transport of all merchandize from San Maison as well as from the Feeport, to Mgarr port and vice-versa, thereby reducing substantially the pollution, transport costs, road damage and traffic jams now resulting from the overland transport of goods by huge lorries.

Are you 'Joe Citizen'?

I am sure that unless you are not 'Joe citizen' and you read this news, you might feel quite angry and upset. I assume that the reason being is that if you are a common citizen and filled-in an appeal to the MEPA Appeals Board without paying all the necessary fees up to the last Euro cent, the Appeals Board would have rejected your application there and then.

But not in the case of the developers behind the proposed villas and swimming pools at Ramla l-Hamra Bay in Gozo!

Read the report on the Ramla appeal given the go ahead….yet again by clicking HERE.

In this Republic of ours, some people are more lucky than others. But I don't mind being with the unlucky ones unless I stick to my 'green' principles of justice and fairness.

Aktar dwar eku-Għawdex u l-belveder tal-Qala

Jekk tħares biss lejn dan il-bini propost fuq il-belvedere tal-Qala wkoll tistaqsi: "Xi jridu igħidu biha din ta' l-eco-Għawdex?"

Niftakar, xi żmien qabel l-elezzjoni ġenerali li għaddiet, kienu kellmuni xi nies minn dawk l-inħawi. Qaluli li jixtiequ li l-Alternattiva tgħinhom joġġezzjonaw.

Pero' sibt li l-closing date sabiex wieħed joġġezzjona kien ilu li għalaq. Jien staqsejthom jekk laħqux għamlu 'objection' huma jew jekk kellmux xi avukat jew perit. Huma qaluli "L-Avukat bgħatna għandek, għax hu ghandu post hemmhekk ukoll".

Jien ghidtilhom sabiex ninġabru u nagħmlu konferenza stampa fuq il-post. Pero' x'ġara?

Dak iż-żmien, ħadd ma ried juri wiċċu ma' ta' l-Alternattiva "anke minhabba l-Avukat, mhux sew li nidhru magħkom li ma jmurx jaħseb li se nivvutaw AD flok xi partit iehor".Qiegħdin tajjeb f'dal-pajjiż!

Għada hemm il-każ quddiem il-famuża MEPA. J'alla tiġihom żewgt.

Saħħa

EU Update: Raw Sewage Discharge at Valley and into the Sea

During a Press Conference at Wied il-Mielah at Gharb, Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party, said that despite the slogan of Eco-Ghawdex and the construction of a new municipal wastewater treatment plant with European funds in Gozo, raw sewage is still being discharged into the sea at Wied Il-Mielah in the north-west of the island.

Arnold Cassola was accompanied by EP election candidate Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros and myself as the AD Secretary General and spokesperson for Gozo.

Prof Cassola added, "It is understood that the local water utility, the Water Services Corporation (WSC) was supposed to build a pumping station at Wied il-Mielah to transfer the sewage coming out from the villages of Gharb, San Lawrenz, St. Lucija and Ghammar to the new sewage treatment plant at Ras il-Hobz - thus preventing the further discharge of raw sewage into the sea at Wied Il-Mielah. This has not happened."

"We understand that by March 2007, all sewage in Malta and Gozo had to be treated prior to disposal into the sea. This is not happening at Wied iI-Mielah, Gozo and this is therefore in violation of the EU Urban Wastewater Directive."

For this reason I informed the EU Commission about this violation of EU law.

During the press conference I said that Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party is therefore asking the Commission to intervene on this issue, which is not only endangering the biodiversity of the area but also the health of people in Gozo. Various written reports were sent to the MEPA section in charge but no answer was ever given.

We are also suggesting that given that a pumping station in Wied il-Mielah has not been built, the WSC should consider the construction of a small sewage treatment plant so that instead of pumping sewage all the way to Ras il-Hobz for treatment and disposal, the community in the west of Gozo could have a source of 2nd class clean and safe water within their community for irrigation and other 2nd class water uses - as a substitute for groundwater which is being extracted at an unsustainable rate.

This beneficial project would contribute to the cutting down on groundwater extraction and would save on the capital costs of laying sewage mains and resurfacing of roads, and also on the energy costs in pumping the sewage across the whole of Gozo, whilst getting nothing in return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gft14ZSNDig

Let's hope that common sense prevails.

Cheers

Victor

Have you been to Salty Valley?

I remember well that many years ago, one of my nephews was here from Australia. I was still little. My brother Charlie told me to take his son to 'Wied il-Mielah'. I did and was happy to show my nephew around and explaining in 'English' the environs. And I thought that in English, 'Wied il-Mielah' should be translated into 'Salty Valley'. How funny.

I still remember the smell of drainage in this beautiful valley. In those years there were no commemorative marble plaques showing that EU dignitaries who visited the valley and no indications of the ceremonies which were to be held to celebrate the Euros from EU funding project for the rehabilitation of the valley.

Indeed, every now and then, we hear the Gharb PN Mayor and his Minister Govanna psoing for photos for the press on this site, in order to say that Gozo is to continue enjoying EU Funds, as the Gharb Local Council has succeeded in obtaining further funds for the Rehabilitation of Wied il-Mielah - not 'salty valley' anymore, but still an open drainage reserviour. Perpahs the MEPA enforcement section may like to pay a visit now that the rain season started rather than coming to gozo on a nice sunny day in Summer!

"Wied il-Mielah – towards an ecologically and culturally sensitive sustainable tourism is the name of the €600,000 project, which will be co-financed by 85% from the European Regional Development Fund. The project will give a touristic dimension to the works already carried out whilst respecting the environment."

Now imagine the tourists on this site TODAY, walking amongst the drainage flow going down from the valley to the sea! the smell is unbearable!

It seems that the rehabilitation of the valley are solely used for the construction of rubble of walls and bridges which have been destroyed, cleaning of the valley basin and resurfacing the road leading to the valley in order to make it more accessible .... yes they want more cars on eco-Ghawdex!

"Attractions including rustic furniture" - where over the drainage flow?

"Observation binoculars and audio visual equipment will be installed." - why? Perhaps to see closely the illegal hunting and trapping taking place on-site?

"The project will compliment the works carried out through the first phase also through the Structural Funds Program for Malta 2004-2006"

I wonder....

I honestly wish well for this project, but alas, if you find it hard to believe me, please have a look at the photo with the drainage flow taken today. Don't hope for any comments from the Gozo Toursim Assosiation. They have no flats or Hotels in this area.

Thank god that you can't smell it from the comfort of your home.

Ta' Ċenċ saga goes on

I could say that my first political activity was the organisation of the Ta' Cenc educational walk back in August 2005. A walk which turned into a protest as soon as we arrived at Ta' Cenc and found out that the owner illegally closed the access to this plateau. Moreover, the Gozo police were protecting him!

Yes only in Gozo you might say.

Back then both the PN and MLP were both promoting a golf course at Ta' Cenc.

It was strange since at that time the Times of Malta was reporting that the government of our republic included Ta' Cenc in the Natura 2000 programme. Hence Ta' Cenc was supposed to be protected for future generations.

Knowing who is behind The Times of Malta, the AD Gozo Regional Committee did not trust these reports from the Times, and decided to write directly to the EU Commission asking whether it is true that the Maltese government really incuded Ta' Cenc in its list of protected areas. (Read HERE)


Few days later, the Commission replied saying that the Government of Malta DID NOT include Ta' Cenc as part of the Natura 2000 network. (Read HERE) Surprise eh?


It was then that we decided to nationalize the issue of Ta' Cenc. The organisation of the 'walk' was part of the strategy.

However after the Ta' Cenc lockout, we revealed the real intentions of the developers at Ta' Cenc. (read HERE). No golf courses but massive buildings of villas and other land speculations.

Watch video here:



Several NGO's joined the chorus in objecting the destruction of Ta' Cenc. Others joined recently.

Today eight environmental NGOs today called upon MEPA to publish online the fresh plans submitted for the application to extend the existing hotel at Ta’ Cenc in Gozo. In a statement BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Helwa, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, the Gaia Foundation, Light Pollution Awareness Group, Nature Trust and the Ramblers Association called on MEPA to honour the commitment made to NGOs on the 15th of July 2008 to give “NGOs and Local Councils free, unlimited access to digital plans for all planning applications through its e-applications systems.” (Read HERE).

Following this, we just issued a press statement referring to the secrecy of Ta' Cenc as an example of disrespect for the citizens.

Alternattiva Demokratika, The Green Party are four square with the NGOs and insist with MEPA and government that plans regarding Ta' Cenc should immediately be put on line.

"The disrespect for the citizen on the part of MEPA is becoming unacceptable."

We reminded how back in 2005, the AD Gozo Regional Committee was informed by the EU Commissioner for the Environment ithat the Maltese Government and MEPA had failed to include Ta' Cenc in the list of sites to be protected under the Natura 2000 network scheme.

I said that three years later, we still have concerned citizens and NGOs struggling for transparency in the process of the proposed developments at Ta' Cenc. It is a pity that the government and the Gozo Ministry still seem to be unaware of the ecological, ornithological and geomorphologic uniqueness of Ta' Cenc.

It is disappointing that notwithstanding the echoing of the Eco-Gozo project, the Ministry for Gozo still finds it hard to express a simple opinion on this issue.

It is absolutely unacceptable that the Ta' Cenc site, home to various birds, endemic species and historical remains, has not been included in the list of protected sites. Ta' Cenc is a place of unique importance, not only because of its special bio-diversity but also because the natural beauty of the place - with its unique diversity. It is a source of attraction for Maltese and tourists and thus a source of much needed income for the local economy.

Alternattiva Demokratika's chairperson Prof. Arnold Cassola, concluded the statement by saying that "The behaviour of the Maltese government on the long dragging Ta' Cenc issue is, to say the least, irresponsible. The message sent out by the government is that it does not really care about safeguarding Gozo's unique heritage, despite all the hype about Gozo as an eco-island. Ta' Cenc deserves to be scheduled immediately and fully as a Natura 2000 site".

Instead of villas and private pools at Ramla l-Hamra Bay

Instead of villas and private pools at Ramla l-Hamra Bay we are proposing a number of sustainable and ecological projects for Ramla l-Hamra.

Everybody assumes that the spectacular landscape value of the valley and the bay at Ramla constitute a fundamental point of reference for tourism in Gozo. Such a natural asset is an attraction to all those visiting the island and therefore benefits all other existing tourist businesses in Gozo. I feel that it is then obligatory to prevent the threat of opportunistic development in this area which would also damage the Gozo tourist product as a whole.

In view of the outcome by the MEPA Planning Appeals Board, I question whether the Appeals Board would have been so considerate with a common citizen. The developers’ appeal in front of MEPA should have been declared null and void, the same way as it would have been to any common citizen who fails to follow procedures accordingly.

On the other hand, I would like to propose specific sustainable and ecological projects for Ramla l-Hamra Bay instead of villas and private swimming pools:

1. MEPA should truly safeguard the environments around Ramla l-Hamra by including the whole area in the EU funded and protected programme of Natura 2000;

2. Heritage Trusts and NGOs should be supported in obtaining EU funds to transform the whole Ramla area as an international heritage site;

3 Re-establish its archaeological remains;

4. Highlighting its geomorphologic features and habitat that supports endemic flora and fauna while ecological walks and expeditions could take place under professional guidance;

5. Promote Ramla for a Blue Flag bay status;

6. Ensure that Ramla l-Hamra remains free from light pollution, a characteristic sought avidly by our visitors;

7. Its spectacular landscape value should not only be protected but promoted as an ideal location for astronomical observation; and

8. The state should claim back the land from the Ulysses Lodge proprietors, to remove the abandoned building, restore the partially concreted-over Roman pathway to its former self and holistically restore the whole area.

I would like to invite whoever is responsible for gathering ideas from the general public with regards to the Eco-Ghawdex project to take any of these suggestions on board. I do not mind that (as most often) the Green Party doesn’t take any credit, as long as there is the will to truly implement this project for the benefit of present and future generations.

Victor Galea

AD Spokesman for Gozo
Gharb

The Gozo feudal system

I would like to thank our local newspapers for publishing the press statement regarding Dwejra: an example of a political feudal system. Read original press Statement by clicking HERE.

Although all papers published this (with the exception of Il-Mument and in-Nazzjon); they all change the original title - as if it is not true that in Gozo we have a feudal system. Malta Today (Sunday edition) might not have published this press statement since this was sent to ALL media on Saturday. However Malta Today journalist James Debono published the names behind this madness. Read by clicking HERE.

The press on Sunday helped in creating awareness that people do care and what is wrong is wrong no matter who does it. Right?

For Example:
The Independent on Sunday changed the title to: Illegal structures at Dwejra. Click HERE to read it. The editor kindly choose to publish the link to this blog.

The Times of Malta (on-line) changed the tile to: Dwejra eyesore still there, AD complains. Click HERE and read the amazing amount of comments on-line by caring people like yourself. This features as the most e-mailed and most read item on the Times on-line.

The Sunday Times also changed the title to: Concrete monstrosity in Dwejra still standing. by clicking HERE you can also read the edited version.

L-Orizzont also featured this in its back page and called it: Id-Dwejra -ġerħa ta' żviluppi illegali. A very good account also referring to this blog, read HERE.

The media on-line also gave an account of this example or the rule of the jungle (as my colleague Carmel Cacopardo stated.

For instance:

The MaltaMedia.com referred to this as 'Government called to act on concrete structure' read link HERE.

The di-ve.com called it, 'Large concrete building in Dwejra not yet removed' and they also published the photo sent with the press statement; watch HERE.

Even TheMaltaStar.com did publish an account related to this example of a political feudal system. They also however changed the title to: 'Monstrous concrete structure still there' Read this from the link HERE.

Surprise surprise... MaltaRightNow.com (PN run-website like in-Taghna and Mument) preferred not to mention anything related to what echoes in eco-gozo. As usual in their Gozo section they like to give prominence to the Gozo Curia and religious events organised by particular priests and other things like this one HERE.

All in all, I am satisfied with the start of knocking down this concrete monster by creating a national awareness regarding this eyesore.


Next step is for our 300 AD 1st count voters, the many hundreds of 2nd preference voters and thousands of AD sympathizers to give feedback regarding the eco-Ghawdex project.

All households in Gozo received a lovely recycled flyer where our Minister is asking for ideas related to the Eco-Ghawdex project.

I already filled mine and sent it. Please fill in your (unless you already threw it in the bin).

Please note that no postage stamp is necessary if posted in Malta or Gozo.



I wrote thus, and you can easily remember the tune from The Sound of Music. Click on the video clip below in order to remind you the tune (just in case):

"Hi Minister for ALL the affiars and anything one needs from the state of Gozo,

Let's start from the very beginning....
a very good way to start....
when you preach you can say what you did and can do....
knock it down and you loose just one vote,
but can win none but some credibility.
PULL DOWN THE DWEJRA CONCRETE MONSTER

Thank you.

Victor Galea
from Gharb Ghawdex."