Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri addressed the “Gozo Towards Climate Neutrality” conference during which the agreement between the GRDA and the Authority for Action was also signed to begin the implementation of the vision for Gozo as the first climate-neutral region in Malta.
Minister Clint Camilleri stated that, “The plan published today is an important step towards continuing to deliver on our vision of making Gozo the first climate-neutral region in Malta. The agreement signed between the GRDA and the Climate Action Authority will strengthen the collaboration between the two entities and help us move from planning to implementation, with concrete actions that strengthen sustainability, resilience and the quality of life in Gozo.”
He went on to explain that the plan helps to identify the areas where there is the greatest potential for reducing emissions, the investment required and the steps that can be taken in a realistic manner. This while maintaining that this ambition is part of the broader vision of the Regional Development Strategy for Gozo 2023–2033, which looks at development that combines economic progress with environmental sustainability, resilience and a better quality of life.
Minister Clint Camilleri recalled that Gozo has already begun this transition through initiatives such as a fully electric public transport fleet, investment in renewable energy and cleaner mobility, environmental rehabilitation projects and investment in water resilience. He mentioned that in addition to reducing emissions, adaptation to climate change should be a priority, with greater protection of water resources, more resilient infrastructure and protection of the natural environment.
For his part, the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Gozo, Mario Borg, explained that the move towards climate neutrality presents unique challenges for small islands such as Gozo, and requires solutions that balance environmental objectives with the constraints linked to land size and resources. The plan being presented establishes a practical strategy for Gozo in this regard.
GRDA Chief Executive Juergen Attard said, “The plan we have published today is an important step towards the goal of making Gozo the first climate-neutral region in Malta. It is an evidence-based plan, which gives us a clearer picture of what needs to be done to achieve this ambition. Therefore, this is not the end of the process, but the beginning of the implementation phase, where this evidence must be translated into concrete and realistic action that strengthens the sustainability and resilience of Gozo, while continuing to improve the quality of life of our communities.”
Climate Action Authority Chief Executive Abigail Cutajar said, “The collaboration between the Climate Action Authority and the Gozo Regional Development Authority reflects exactly the role we believe the CAA should play: not to tell Gozo how to reduce emissions, but to link regional ambition with national climate policy, so that no decision on energy, transport or planning is taken in isolation. With tools like EcoTrack already helping public entities measure how much they are consuming, our aim now is to turn this evidence into practical projects that bring Gozo’s transition visible and closer to the people.”
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri concluded by saying that the next step is for the Government, the GRDA, the Climate Action Authority and the entities to work together so that the evidence and plan presented are translated into concrete measures and realistic implementation.
