Investing in the environment for a better quality of life

When analysing the pre-budget document A Better Quality Of Life, published recently with the main scope of triggering a nationwide debate leading to the publication of the government's economic priorities for the years ahead, I could not help but notice the stark difference in the way politics is made these days.

I am sure I am not the only one to fall in the temptation of taking matters for granted but, faced with the concrete proposals, ideas, recommendations and suggestions contained in this consultative document, I must admit I am proud to form part of an administration that plans and projects its policies this way - in a structured and consultative manner.

As minister responsible for a portfolio which includes the environment, I want to register my praise for the government's marked commitment in creating the framework and policies that truly put the environment as one of the topmost priorities of this administration's work.

We are all exposed to the powers of mass media and, as such, we are all very much aware of what goes on beyond our shores. I am sure, and that is also very positive and commendable, that more people interest themselves more in environmental issues. Even locally, we can boast of an active environmentalist lobby. However, I want to add that I was expecting a far more different reaction to the government's breakthrough proposals. I must add that so far the reactions were mostly conspicuous by their absence.

Even though we have embarked upon this road through the introduction of the eco contribution concept, this document spells out for the first time an administration's intention, or belief, that it is the right time to start creating the scenario whereby this country experiences "A shift from direct taxation to environment-related taxation. This would not be a measure intended to increase revenues but a re-engineering of direct taxation revenue streams which would introduce concepts based on the polluter pays principle".

This is a breakthrough, one which puts our country at par with what most of us consider as "modern countries". This is not just lip service or a slogan anymore but concrete proposals aimed at changing the way we behave. These are the not the first concrete steps either. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi translated his ideas into actions very early in his tenure and environment found its place, together with the economy and education, as one of the three main focus areas of the government's work. That announcement was backed up by an increase of practically 100 per cent in the allocation of expenditure on environment announced in the last budget for the current year.

Turning to the eco contribution reality, first results portray quite a positive trend and an encouraging response from the public. The results, forthcoming from a survey carried out earlier this year, whereby practically all respondents agreed that eco contribution will lead to a more positive attitude towards the environment, were further confirmed by statistics that show a drastic decrease in the units of plastic bags imported into the island in the first half of 2005.

I can mention other achievements which would also serve as a platform on which to build our future successes; the closure of the old dumpsites, the programme for their rehabilitation, the investment in our waste management facilities, capacity building and increased investment in Mepa and government proposals for sustainable land reclamation initiative are but a few of the milestones of the past few months.

Progress has also been registered on the educational front where initiatives such as Ekoskola are growing healthily and surely. This is just one side of the environmental education drive that is involving even more the private sector through other projects, namely the Centre for Environmental Education and Research and the 34U (Tree for You) campaign. Education is also very much on the agenda as we continue to promote the various waste management initiatives and proposals.

I never miss an opportunity to appeal for more support to extend such positive experiences.

Let's not make any mistakes about it - the road is still long and the order is tall. But the commitment and the leadership are there to see us through and this document is further proof of this. It should also provide us with the needed impetus to foster the change of mentality that is needed to take this country onto the next higher level. By continuing to base our arguments on emotions and partisanship we risk losing out to competition. The change of mentality has an important role to play here in order to reach the stage where the common interest truly comes first.

The document speaks about "A government that delivers, a nation that excels". I add that this is very much the case in the environment sector, an area which people tend to associate more directly to a better quality of life.

This document provides ample proof that this administration has this country's and its people's best interests at heart. The proposals are there to be analysed and the framework for them to be successful are clearly mapped out. This administration believes that its main goal is to create the necessary conditions so that everyone can maximise on the opportunities that comes one's way. That is the guarantee for a better quality of life for all. And that is government's invitation through this document.

Mr Pullicino is Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment.