‘More trees, less pollution please’ – students tell De Marco

The event, held this morning at Auberge d’Italie as part of Dinja Wahda (BirdLife Malta and Bank of Valletta’s education programme for primary schools), saw parliamentary secretary Mario de Marco listening to environmental concerns raised by primary schoolchildren from 12 schools in Malta and Gozo.

In return, de Marco told them how government is tackling, or planning to tackle, their concerns.

The schoolchildren submitted letters raising concerns on an array of issues, including air and sea pollution, the need to promote and facilitate the use of alternative energy amongst households, management of the countryside and afforestation, and the protection of wild animals.

Air quality was the most popular concern amongst the children’s letters. Nina Cole, from St Joseph Paola, said: “The subsidy should be raised so that more families can afford solar heating and be less of a burden on the power station.”

Simon Xerri, from Xewkija Primary, told de Marco: “Trees should be planted so that our air will be healthier”.

Other letters shared their wish that one day everyone will get around by bike rather than by car, and pointed out that we cannot improve our air quality without taking such bold steps.

In return, de Marco explained that environmental issues cannot only be treated by government, but require the collective effort of each and every one of us.

He encouraged the students to continue voicing their environmental concerns, and to share their knowledge on environmental issues.

“Our environment will improve through knowledge and education,” de Marco told the students. “It is therefore important for students who have the opportunity to attend educational programmes such as the one organised by Birdlife, to spread their knowledge with friends, family members and other persons.

The winning letter was written by Mirea Mormina of Naxxar Primary, who spoke about rubbish in the countryside and streets.

“More awareness raising could be done in schools so that children learn from an early age to keep our environment clean,” Mirea suggested.

Addressing the children, Bank of Valletta’s Executive Head Financial Markets and Investment Romeo Cutajar, said: “We feel that through your participation today you continue to show your commitment to the environment. This encourages us to continue supporting environmental initiatives which will help assure sustainable development in Malta and Gozo.”

Desiree Falzon, BirdLife Malta Education Coordinator, said: “Our children’s voices are tools to make government aware of important current environmental issues. We have to continue to keep raising these issues and encourage government to deal with them.”