Transport Minister Ian Borg has once again been subjected to sharp criticism after The Times of Malta reported that he chose environmental protection as the topic for his doctoral thesis.

In his thesis, Borg focused on the implementation of the EU’s habitats directive in Malta and he expressed his opinion on the environment a number of times.

Here’s what he said back then.

1.  The environment

“The importance of the environment is central to most aspects of life, with today’s big challenges making the conservation of the same field an imperative one.”

2. The importance of biodiversity

“There are an infinite number of valid reasons why habitats and the species – Biodiversity – should be conserved”

“Biodiversity, which is basically the variety of life, is fundamental to the existence of life on Earth and therefore it is of utmost importance.”

3. Why EU environmental law is essential

“When one acquires the knowledge about the importance of biodiversity, it is then easy to appreciate the effort of the EU to protect the habitats and species across the Member States territories.”

4. On the threat of development

“Moreover, development is surely one of the biggest threats our environment faces.”

5. His advice for developers

“In today’s world, developers need to adapt to the needs requested by the common good.”

6. On the need to reform MEPA

“An urgent matter for MEPA to resolve as soon as practicable are the management plans which should include a good practice guide.”

“Site management is envisaged to be the biggest challenge for the Maltese authorities, and the MEPA official also expressed this.”

“Today there are no qualified enforcement officers to honour the obligations of this Directive. One can witness this lack of enforcement from the various activities going on. These include the deliberate capture or killing of protective species listed in the Directive, such as the Painted Frog, the Freshwater Crab and the Robin, all of which are still captured indiscriminately.”

“Site management is envisaged to be the biggest challenge for the Maltese authorities, and the MEPA official also expressed this.”

7. The uprooting of trees

“Unfortunately, potential contraveners in this regards are also public entities like
Local Councils and the Cleansing Department who for instance, occasionally
cut plants that grow in the wild along countryside roads and uproot mature trees
on urban area pavements.”

How well do you think these statements are fitting in with present policies? Let us know in the comments below

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