Budget 2023: €700 Million For Malta’s Environment Over Next Seven Years
Around €700 million will be spent on Malta’s environment over the next seven years, according to an initiative in the government’s budget for 2023.
The initiative was a landmark proposal by the Labour Party in the general election and will focus on creating green lungs across the island, and involves urban reclamation and greening.
The project will be steered by the Environment Ministry under Miriam Dalli, with a dedicated agency scheduled to handle urban land reclamation to be up and running by next year.
The first phase of the investment includes a number of projects in Bormla, Birżebbuġa, Hamrun, Marsa, Siġġiewi and San Ġwann.
The Sant’Antnin pant will also be converted into an open area for families, while works on the Ta Qali national park will continue.
A management plan for the Inwadar National Park, which will be concluded in 2027, is also included.
A site adjacent to San Klement Park has been identified, while works will continue on Majjastral Park and a park in Marsaskala.
Next year, a rehabilitation programme for Malta’s valleys will also be started – as well as an investment fund for green urban areas.
There will also be more investment in Natura 2000 sites and Marine Protected Areas.
A €700,000 urban greening grant to regenerate abandoned gardens and create new urban spaces has already been set up this year – and this initiative will build on that.
A separate fund will be available for the sustainable development of Gozo, with the budget setting it at €60 million.
Should more be spent to save Malta’s environment and ease the climate crisis?
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