2024 ECO-FORUM
MEP CANDIDATE
PANEL DISCUSSION
On 17 May 2024, MALTA-ARCH partnered with FAA to organize a panel discussion with MEP Candidates regarding the critical issue of preserving Gozo and Malta's natural, cultural, and archaeological environments at the University of Malta's Gozo campus. Peter Agius of PN, Sandra Gauci of ADPD, and independent candidate Arnold Cassola all participated in the provocative and evocative discussion.It should be noted that although PL candidate Thomas Bajada communicated to FAA that he would be in attendance, he was not present for the discussion.
During their opening statements, the candidates presented their environmental platforms. Peter Agius addressed ongoing issues like raw sewage in the seas and insufficiently patrolled marine protected areas, while emphasizing his own advocacy efforts, such as those against the proposed Marsascala Marina. Arnold Cassola focused on Gozo, highlighting the need that dedicated funds for Gozo be wisely spent in environmental stewardship, and proposed the island as a hub for niche tourism. Sandra Gauci expressed solidarity with citizens weary of environmental battles and underscored the importance of upholding EU laws, especially the Environmental Crimes Directive of 2023.
During their opening statements, the candidates presented their environmental platforms. Peter Agius addressed ongoing issues like raw sewage in the seas and insufficiently patrolled marine protected areas, while emphasizing his own advocacy efforts, such as those against the proposed Marsascala Marina. Arnold Cassola focused on Gozo, highlighting the need that dedicated funds for Gozo be wisely spent in environmental stewardship, and proposed the island as a hub for niche tourism. Sandra Gauci expressed solidarity with citizens weary of environmental battles and underscored the importance of upholding EU laws, especially the Environmental Crimes Directive of 2023.
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The first question of the forum focused on the controversial widening of Triq Marsalforn, an area home to threatened species. Despite our efforts to halt the project, the government only conceded to protect some trees, while the road widening continues, leading to the destruction of natural habitats. Arnold Cassola emphasised the need for direct action, urging Gozitans to take to the streets. Sandra Gauci also stressed the importance of empowering local citizens to rise above the fear of protest. She highlighted the Environmental Crime Directive of 2023 as a tool to combat “the handful of people who have money and are bullying the rest of us.” Peter Agius drew an analogy to the tree uprooting issue in Mosta, questioning how EU-funded projects could contradict the EU’s environmental mission and established the need for more oversight and accountability.
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The next question centred on the preservation of Malta's archaeological heritage, highlighting the recent threat the Ġgantija Temple faced from proposed developments and the current issue surrounding Ta’ Lablab, a cave network near the Santa Verna Temple in Xagħra, Gozo, which is cleared for development despite being situated near a prehistoric burial.Peter Agius again emphasised his advocacy efforts, citing how he immediately spoke out against the development near the Ġgantija Temple. Arnold Cassola condemned local laws that favour developers, and urged the public to “name and shame” them, proceeding to do just that, calling developers Joseph Portelli, Mark Agius, and Daniel Refalo “the Gozo Triad”, adding, “In Sicily, citizens have rebelled against the Mafia. It’s time for us in Malta, and in Gozo, to rebel against these people, as well”. Sandra Gauci urged for campaign finance reform, proposing public funding for political parties so as to curb the influence of big businesses on development.
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The next question addressed the issue of deforestation and its severe impact on Malta's environment and citizens’ health. Sandra Gauci stated the need to restore local council power to have a greater say in what developments could rise in their communities. She also noted the urgent need to conduct impact assessments and studies as to how any development will affect biodiversity. Arnold Cassola called for a new political voice to champion green investments, linking environmental health to economic benefits. Peter Agius added the need to partner with local farmers, as organic farming and investment in forestation can go hand in hand.
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The fourth question addressed corruption in Malta's construction industry, highlighting recent tragedies, such as the deaths of Jean Paul Sofia and many migrant workers. Arnold Cassola condemned the industry's preference for self-regulation and its impact on safety, calling for law enforcement and the improvement of labour conditions. Peter Agius noted how he met with Isabelle Bonnici, Jean Paul Sofia’s mother, and worked on her behalf. During the course of his investigation, he discovered that Malta did not enforce the 2013 EU Construction Products Regulation, which led to substandard building materials, eventually causing the collapse of the building that led to Sofia’s death. He criticized the government's inaction and stressed that corruption undermines the rule of law and public safety. Sandra Gauci, too, argued for stricter enforcement of existing laws, heavier fines, and accountability for site owners and managers. She called for political responsibility and the imposition of severe penalties, including revoking licenses for those who fail to ensure worker safety.
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During the audience roundtable, Camilla Appelgren from the Malta Ranger Unit disputed the accuracy of Malta's environmental protection claims. She pointed out how despite the government's report to the EU claiming to have met the goal of protecting 30% of its territory, there are only 18 or 19 Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) Officers patrolling the entire country, with none stationed in Gozo whatsoever. Furthermore, EPU Officers work in shifts, leaving gaps during late-night and early-morning hours, when many environmental criminals are committing crimes and police often lack sufficient knowledge of environmental law to take effective action. The Malta Ranger Unit's attempts to address these issues with the Ministry of Gozo have been rebuffed, including being blocked on social media and denied meetings. Appelgren wanted to know what mechanisms the EU had for verifying the statistical claims of member states, particularly when NGOs possessed conflicting information. Arnold Cassola responded by criticizing the lack of transparency and communication from government ministers, attributing it to partisan politics: “They’re not talking to you because you’re not a member of their party. And that is wrong.” Sandra Gauci emphasised the need for elected officials who genuinely represent and work for the people, urging voters to choose responsible politicians. Peter Agius encouraged the Malta Ranger Unit to write to the EU, providing clear data to highlight misrepresentation by the Maltese government, and offered his support in drafting letters. He emphasised the importance of breaking the EU's trust in disingenuous member states through the use of solid evidence.
During the next question, Carmen Bajada spoke passionately about her efforts to first protect Ramla Bay from development and now to preserve the caves near the Santa Verna Temple, expressing deep personal connection to the ancient heritage being destroyed. She questioned why the EU does not intervene in such cases of worldwide heritage significance. Arnold Cassola lamented that the Xaghra Local Council, instead of preserving archaeological sites, has contributed to their destruction, citing the recent incident where a newly discovered cave was quickly covered in concrete during the construction of their new civic centre. Peter Agius explained that the EU has no legal basis to intervene in local planning matters, although he pledged to support it politically if elected as an MEP. Sandra Gauci suggested that an MEP could raise awareness and maintain pressure, potentially shifting public opinion to protect these heritage sites.
Timothy Alden then raised issues regarding climate adaptation, explaining how Malta potentially faces severe sea level rise, desertification, and disruptions to supply chains, which affect food and water availability. He noted that current policies do not adequately address these concerns and asked what should be done. Arnold Cassola highlighted the need for representatives who are more conscious of such matters, criticizing the new Ta' Qali park, which is covered in British turf and is a significant water consumer in a country that lacks sufficient water resources. Peter Agius expressed his support for the Green Deal and emphasized the importance of investing in educating the Maltese population about climate change. Sandra Gauci suggested significant investments in solar panels for car parks and schools to harness Malta's abundant sunshine and highlighted the inconsistency between EU rules and local government actions.
Thus concluded MALTA-ARCH’s and FAA’s ECO-Forum. All of the candidates’ responses showed passion and expertise in matters pertaining to preservation.
