National Environmental Protest Endorsed By Over 80 Maltese Organisations
A collective of more than 80 groups of residents’ organisations from across Malta and Gozo, student bodies, and cultural institutions, has endorsed an upcoming protest demanding environmental and planning reform.
The protest, titled ‘Xebbajtuna! Bidla fl-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar ISSA!’ is scheduled for this coming Saturday and is a response to numerous controversial environmental and planning decisions taking place across Malta.
“People across Malta are fed up with the reckless state of our planning institutions, regardless of their background,” the organisers said.
They further added that “This Saturday, people will gather at the Triton Fountain in a rallying cry for our authorities to listen to our demands, to improve Malta’s conditions for us and for our children.”
Among the endorsing organisations are diverse sectors such as academic institutions, animal welfare organisations, cultural groups, religious bodies, workers’ collectives, human rights NGOs, farmers’ rights groups, and even a childcare centre.
Moreover, residents and various other local groups have also shown their support.
The main demands of the protestors include an overhaul of planning policies, radical reform in environmental, planning, and lands institutions, and a transition towards an economic model that prioritises quality of life over constant economic growth.
In preparation for the protest, the organisers are inviting people to join them on Thursday, May 25th, for placard-making. The activity will take place at 67, Strait Street, Valletta, from 6pm onwards.
The national protest itself will commence at 10.30 am on Saturday, starting from the Triton Fountain.
The protest is being organised by a coalition of eight organisations: Moviment Graffitti, Friends of the Earth Malta, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust Malta, Għawdix, BirdLife Malta, and Ramblers’ Association.
Are you in line with these protests?