Brincat says Mepa separation of planning, environment functions should not be rushed

Environment Minister Leo Brincat had a meeting with Nature Trust today during which he stressed that the separation of the planning and environment functions of Mepa had to be be handled efficiently and should not be rushed. His commitment to push through with the reform was welcomed by the NGO, with the trust's president, Vincent Attard, saying it was a positive step for the environment. In a brief address Mr Brincat said he looked forward to the creation of an Environment Fund to help NGOs be more efficient. He said the government would always be open to NGOs and expected the NGOs to draw its attention if it strayed from its electoral programme. Replying to a journalist's question on hunting, Mr Brincat said the government would respect what was in the electoral programme. Mr Attard urged the government to give importance to Marine Conservation Areas and not not just land conservation. He also stressed that Malta can be a champion of climate change action within the EU, and Nature Trust would work with the minister in this regard.