Environment minister launches scheme to aid green NGOs

Environment minister Leo Brincat has launched a scheme to offer further financial aid to green NGOs registered with the commissioner for voluntary organisations.

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Brincat said that the ministry would continue to accept suggestions to improve or strengthen the scheme accordingly.

Brincat said that the scheme would be limited to the amounts voted in the financial estimates for the year , but that the government was open to increasing funds allocated according to the performance of the scheme this year.

“The environmental fund is meant as encouragement and it is meant to offer increasing support to the organisations,” he said.

Brincat added that priority would be given to proposals that would strengthen environment conservation, promote responsible environment management, raise awareness about safeguarding the environment as well as efforts to restore the environment to pristine conditions, among others.

The minister also added that some proposals had been identified as worthy of the funds, and that they would be examined by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).

“The draft also includes information about the functions of the committee that will be responsible for the scheme, as well as eligibility criteria