AD discusses Mgarr ix-Xini regional park with mayors

Green Party (AD) environment spokesman Mark Causon and AD Gozo Regional Committee spokesman Victor Galea, accompanied by other officials of Alternattiva Demokratika's Gozo committee, recently held a meeting with Sannat mayor Carmel Camilleri and Xewkija mayor Dr Monica Vella.

The meeting, held at the Xewkija council offices, focused specifically on the Mgarr ix-Xini Regional Park.

"The initiative taken by these two Gozitan councils is an excellent example of how Gozitans can join forces to create projects which are not only beneficial to a specific local community, but also to the whole of Gozo," Mr Galea explained.

"This shows that it is possible for Gozitans to work together in the true interests of the island and not for the interest of political parties.

"Other non-governmental development organisations (NGDOs) could follow this example of Xewkija and Sannat councils to work together to exploit the natural beauty of Gozo while creating sustainable jobs, respecting biodiversity and supporting ecologically significant plant communities and bird nesting sites. It is also important that in such projects the two councils make use of existing local and foreign expertise, such as the Nature Trust and BirdLife," he added.

During the meeting, Mr Causon spoke on how AD, through the European Green Party and the environmental sub-committee, can help in tapping more EU funds. He explained that AD is more than willing to give its expertise in these projects, which are not just beneficial to a particular local council but also to the general Gozitan community.

"AD acknowledges the fact that Gozo has a lot of potential in its environmental field, which could be further improved through the embarkation of similar projects with the co-operation of other NGDOs," he said.

"It is highly recommended to have more professional projects and to have partners involved from other EU countries, which would help in the exchange of ideas and learning process," Mr Causon added.

Also present were members of the Mgarr ix-Xini Regional Park Action Committee.

The two mayors explained that this project aims to protect, safeguard, sustain and enhance the ecosensitive, geo-cultural landscapes of Mgarr Ix-Xini valley. The aim of Sannat and Xewkija councils is to develop a regional park which should not be based on the exclusivity of the landowners and occupiers of properties falling within the park's boundaries.