Prime Minister & Energy Minister Talk White Rocks Project With Students

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli have launched a public consultation inviting citizens to share their ideas for three new national parks in Malta.

The initiative, called ‘Shape your space’, encourages the public to provide input through the website parksinmalta.mt.

At an event held at White Rocks, attended by 80 students from three different colleges, Prime Minister Abela described the project as “a fantastic initiative for families” and highlighted that the consultation begins with children and young people.

He emphasised the importance of listening to the views of those who will directly enjoy these open spaces to ensure they are transformed into accessible and engaging national parks.

Dr Abela pointed out that Malta has over 200 open spaces and that the country’s strong economy allows the Government to return three key sites to the public. White Rocks, Manoel Island, and Fort Campbell were specifically mentioned as areas to be reclaimed for community use.

Minister Dalli explained that the public consultation aims to design the parks according to people’s wishes, with children’s needs prioritised. The first consultation at White Rocks, a 369,000 square metre area previously earmarked for economic development, will now be transformed into a national park.

Students contributed ideas including sports facilities such as basketball courts and skateparks, traditional game areas, accessible spaces for children with autism and other disabilities, picnic zones, pet-friendly areas, conservation of flora and fauna, urban agriculture projects, and cultural museums.

An ‘idea wall’ allowed students from Santa Clara, Marija Reġina, and San Nikola colleges to share their visions. The public is encouraged to participate in this first consultation phase by visiting parksinmalta.mt.

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