Environment NGOs petition to keep Hondoq for all to enjoy
Moviment Harsien Hondoq, together with Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, NatureTrust, FOE Malta, Din L-Art Helwa and Wirt Ghawdex are appealing for support to help persuade MEPA to permanently refuse the permit for the Hondoq project.
MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate’s recommendation against the development of a real estate/marina complex at Hondoq ir-Rummien was widely welcomed by all those who have been fighting against this proposal for the last 9 years. However, the NGOs said that it is still important to keep the momentum going and ensure that the MEPA Board follows through this decision by refusing to grant a permit to the developers.
The NGOs said that another issue that needs to be addressed is the policy regarding Hondoq in the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, which was changed without consultation, from one in favour of rehabilitation, to one in favour of development. The NGOs said that this policy should be changed back to what was agreed upon between MEPA and the Qala Local Council in 2002, where Hondoq Bay and its surroundings were designated as being Outside the Development Zone (ODZ).
Finally the NGOs have proposed that Hondoq be turned into a National Park, as was already planned by the Qala Local Council and that the area be rehabilitated and protected in order that everyone can continue to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty for generations to come.
The NGOs concluded by appealing for everyone to continue to show their support by signing their petition and helping to ensure that the MEPA Board upholds the decision of MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate, by refusing to grant a permit for the development of Hondoq ir-Rummien into a real estate/marina complex.
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posted by Hondoq at
4:29 PM
