Environmental Enforcement in Gozo Cannot Wait

Momentum expresses its strong support for the petition presented by the Malta Rangers Unit to Parliament calling for the establishment of an Environmental Police Unit in Gozo. The growing number of environmental violations in recent months makes it clear: enforcement in Malta and Gozo is not keeping pace with the scale of abuse taking place.

Over the past weeks, Malta and Gozo have witnessed repeated cases of illegal dumping, destruction of natural habitats, unregulated development pressures, and a visible disregard for environmental protection rules. These are not isolated incidents. They point to a systemic failure in enforcement and a lack of deterrence.

Environmental laws and regulations already exist. However, without consistent monitoring, swift action, and visible consequences, these laws remain ineffective. The situation in Gozo is particularly concerning due to its ecological sensitivity and limited enforcement capacity.

The proposal for a dedicated Environmental Police Unit in Gozo is therefore both timely and necessary. Such a unit would:

• Strengthen on-the-ground enforcement
• Improve response time to violations
• Act as a visible deterrent against environmental crime
• Support existing authorities, including ERA and local councils

Graziella Spiteri said: “ Momentum emphasises that Gozo is simply the clearest example of a system that is not working across the Maltese Islands.

If environmental degradation continues at its current pace, responsibility lies not only with those committing the damage, but also with institutions that fail to enforce the law effectively. Accountability must extend to both violators and authorities.

We call on Parliament and the relevant ministries to:

• Act swiftly on this petition
• Invest in enforcement capacity, not just policy frameworks
• Ensure transparency on enforcement actions and outcomes

Protecting Malta and Gozo’s environment requires more than declarations. But an enforcement that is visible, consistent, and credible. Momentum will continue to advocate for stronger environmental governance and real accountability in the protection of our natural heritage”.

Link to petition: https://parlament.mt/en/petition/?id=323

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