The Kummissjoni Interdjoċesana Ambjent (KA) is concerned that irrespective of the islands’ high population density, limited land space and lack of economies of scale coupled with the effects of its climatic conditions, the Maltese tend to opt for short-term goals with promises of great national economic gains fed into their psyche by short-sighted economists and developers. The KA considers the Consultation Document: Waste Management Plan for the Maltese Islands: a resource management approach 2013-2020, as a step forward towards putting an end to this trend that has invariably resulted in gain for a handful of entrepreneurs and irreparable loss for our nation. Our vulnerable situation and our commitments towards the international community are crying out for the need for our country to clearly identify the underlying sustainable targets that we need to achieve, and structure the strategy accordingly, thus breaking the vicious circle of trying to fashion our lifestyle to fit directives. The KA welcomes the concept of merging a Strategy, intended for local policy guidance, and a Plan, intended for local policy guidance and compliance to the relative EU Directive, within one National Waste Management Plan. It favourably notes that, while learning from past mistakes, the document acknowledges and builds upon the good practices and decisions that have been established by other administrations. Moreover, the KA strongly feels that Culture needs to feature in sustainable development discourse since it ultimately defines what we mean by development and determines how we act.

The KA is rather concerned that certain decisions are still being proposed even in the (acknowledged) absence of reliable data. The strategy needs to include measures that ensure data collection on a regular basis and mechanisms that review, and possibly repropose, policies in the light of new emerging evidence. Referring to the “transition from waste being seen as a problem to it being considered as a resource” (p.14), the KA deems it essential to remind all that waste as a resource surely does not imply encouraging waste generation so that it can be used to maintain a waste-to-energy stream going. Changing the predominant mentality about waste necessitates that we channel our creativity and industrial prowess to achieve sustainable solutions.

The KA refers to more effective Law enforcement mechanisms and sound educational campaigns. It is pleased to note that some thought has been given to the provision of education that is practical, moves away from just information transfer, addresses different audiences from different sectors and uses a variety of tools. One hopes that words will gradually be translated to action and that this is done professionally. One also hopes that the term waste is taken to include that produced by the construction and demolition industry, and that measures are taken to deal with this very significant and worrying characteristic of waste generation in our islands.

The KA concludes by hoping that the Maltese community would strive for a new perspective on how to manage its resources – a perspective based on the same altruistic love that Christ brought on Earth to all people of goodwill.

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