Environmentalists disappointed by land reclamation proposals

The government call for land reclamation proposals will not identify specific sites, and the private sector will be free to make its own suggestions. News of the project has ruffled feathers among environmentalists, who largely oppose reclamation because of the indiscriminate damage caused to sea habitats. University marine and biology lecturer Alan Deidun said the effects of dumping at sea, which is what reclamation entails, could spread widely. Astrid Vella of Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, said that were it not for the fact that Mepa had already carried out studies on land reclamation, one could approach the subject with an open mind, but the studies showed that land reclamation in sites close to shore caused unacceptable damage to marine life. She said the government should instead focus on using the surplus of 75,000 vacant properties. mmicallef@timesofmalta.com Full story in The Times.