Gozo as an ecological island - some proposals

Abstract

The Maltese Government is committed to transform Gozo into ‘an ecological island.’ Is it just a fashionable buzz phrase to attract a growing environmentally conscious electorate? Is it another word to condemn Gozo as a‘presepju’ (static crib) for the Maltese to enjoy during visits on weekend breaks and for Gozitans to migrate to find jobs? Is it the right way forward for a sustainable Gozo with all the complications sustainability poses? The latter option carries a mammoth task and a monumental change! Can Gozo really be turned into such an island? How far is the government willing to enforce changes in the Gozitan traditional lifestyle to reach this goal and in reality is it too late to reverse certain decisions, change or alter physical and structural developments which would hamper the attainment of such a goal? It depends on what definition is adopted by the government as the meaning of ‘an ecological island’.