Fortunately, the number of environmentalists is on the rise as more individuals recognize
that our islands are at a critical juncture—our open spaces are under threat from rampant
development, and our coasts and seas are being irrevocably depleted.
Political decisions are having a direct impact on our environment. As environmentalists, we
respond to projects proposed by government and private entities that could harm our
surroundings. These projects include construction in Outside Development Zones, the
demolition of historical buildings to make way for modern apartments, proposals for high-
rise developments, the transformation of coastal areas into holiday resorts, and road
expansions that jeopardize trees and agricultural land. Din l-Art Ħelwa has recently
concluded a five-year battle to try to save Marsalforn Valley. Although the road widening
project will still proceed, the loss of mature trees has been significantly reduced from the
originally planned 183 to only 13. Now, the government is looking to widen the rural road in
Siġġiewi.
Trees provide numerous benefits, including shade and oxygen, while agricultural land is
crucial for cultivating the food we consume. In addition to fruits and vegetables, fertile land
is essential for growing fodder for livestock. Reducing rural land will lead to a decline in
domestic food production, making us increasingly dependent on imports—a reliance that
poses significant risks, especially when issues arise with the countries from which we source
our food. Being an island exacerbates this danger.
The Maltese government has clear plans to continue increasing both population and
tourism. Many homes are being demolished to construct apartments of questionable
architectural merit, driven solely by commercial interests. Hotels and holiday apartments
are proposed at every turn, which will necessitate broader roads and more housing, further
eroding our already limited open spaces.
Development near the coast—such as in Marsalforn Bay, Xlendi Bay, and Buġibba Bay—has
resulted in the loss of natural sand dunes, the original source of sandy beaches. Sandy
beaches, beloved by both locals and tourists, have been severely depleted. Even road
widening projects along the coast occur without justification, while other critical roads
desperately need upgrades, leading to further loss of valuable coastal space.
Can you envision what our foreshore will look like in a few years if population and tourist
numbers continue to rise? Our beaches are already too few and are continually being
engulfed by development. The term "sustainable coastal development" is a misnomer;
development so close to the shore can never be truly sustainable.

A political decision to raise building heights in a village can rapidly transform it into a
construction site. Apartment owners seize the opportunity to add floors, while homeowners
demolish their aesthetically pleasing residences to convert them into apartments. This has
led to the unfortunate loss of many visually appealing homes, with the remaining structures
now sandwiched between towering apartments, struggling for sunlight, airflow, and parking
spaces. Streets become chaotic mosaics of colors and shapes.
The increase in dust and pollutants from heavy vehicles, coupled with the rising number of
residents in the area, leads to exponential growth in traffic and pollution. Specifically,
particulate matter (PM10) produced by construction sites can enter our respiratory systems,
increasing the risk of sinusitis, respiratory issues, and allergies like asthma. Finer particles
(PM2.5), stemming from vehicles and fuel combustion, penetrate deeper into our lungs,
potentially causing severe illnesses, including cancer.
The health implications of air pollution are particularly alarming for pregnant women,
infants, and children. In polluted areas, the risks of infant mortality, premature births, low
birth weights, and congenital defects are significantly increased. Studies suggest that
exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can lead to long-term health issues, including a
heightened risk of heart disease and diabetes in adulthood.
The rapid decline of our open spaces as a result of poor planning is detrimental to our
mental well-being. High-quality landscaping in urban areas can reduce stress and enhance
our quality of life. It can improve air quality, decrease noise pollution, and provide spaces
for children to play and engage with nature.
Noise pollution from heavy vehicles, excavation, and construction also disturbs neighbours,
diminishing their quality of rest and sleep and increasing frustration.
It makes little sense for a country to prioritize economic gain over the health of its
inhabitants. A nation that enacts laws favouring construction, encroaches upon agricultural
land and coastal areas to widen roads while failing to invest in a robust public transport
system, and encourages an influx of people into an already overcrowded island without
assessing infrastructure capacity is not prioritizing the well-being of its citizens or the
environment. This is a country managed by short-sighted and self-serving leadership,
exploiting today's resources out of greed while jeopardizing the future health of its children.
It is evident that neither of the two major political parties places much importance on our
natural and built environment, as evidenced by their neglect of these issues in electoral
campaigns.
Now we find ourselves at a crossroads: well-being versus wealth. It is important for all
citizens to ponder this question: who gets to choose?