Today 5th June, on World Environment Day, eight environmental NGOs are calling on everyone to put the environment as a priority when this Saturday 8th June they go out to vote for their preferred candidates in the upcoming elections.
Whilst there is practically no doubt that the environment is a priority for the majority of Maltese residents, unfortunately the environment and nature do not have a voice. In view of this, each and everyone of us should make an effort to ensure that the environment is given the voice it merits, and this can be done by choosing candidates who embrace clear environmental values.
Environmental NGOs call for full participation in this Saturday’s elections
We should remember that during the time of the COVID pandemic the only relief we had was to go out to enjoy the countryside and our open spaces. It was the natural environment which provided us with a healthy well-being and it would be good to consider this when we are deciding who to vote for.
Environmental protection is not only something national or international. We should remember how many actions were taken by several local communities in the past years against projects which were going to destroy, or are still going to destroy, the local environment. We can mention amongst others the Marasakala Marina, Ħondoq ir-Rummien in Qala Gozo, the development at Għajn Riħana, the development in Tal-Bebbux in Żurrieq, the actions on Comino, the protests against the Wied Żnuber development, the development close to Ġgantija Temples, Manoel Island, the Balzan Valley complex, the protection of Valletta’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and the issue about the trees in Mosta Square. These are only a few of several occasions when the people gave the environment a voice. Undoubtedly, the voice of the environment was at its strongest during the huge Xebbajtuna protest when thousands of people demanded a change in the economic model of the country to safeguard our environment.
Now the time has arrived for all those who care for the environment, for all those who participated in the actions taken by the community, for all those who attended the Xebbajtuna protest and for all those who feel that the environment needs a voice, to give this voice to the environment with their vote in the European Parliament and Local Council elections taking place on the 8th of June.
This call is being especially addressed to the following:
- to the elderly and the parents of young children so that they reflect on the future environment they will leave for generations to come,
- to workers, youths and students who in some way or another understand how important it is to have a strong environment,
- to all those who maybe do not feel the need to vote this Saturday but appreciate the positive common value of a shared healthy environment.
To all of these we ask that you heed our call and take this message as the main reason and motivation to go out to vote this coming Saturday, and cast your vote for a better environment!
Environmental organisations:
BirdLife Malta
Moviment Graffitti
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar
Din l-Art Ħelwa
Friends of the Earth Malta
Nature Trust-FEE Malta
Ramblers’ Association of Malta
Għawdix
Read the Maltese version of the press release here.
