Malta Initiates Process For Offshore Wind Turbines And Solar Panels

Jul 7 2023

In a meeting with the youth of Malta, Prime Minister Robert Abela showcased his commitment to a brighter and cleaner future. Discussing a range of national issues, including renewable energy, the environment, and gender equality, Abela unveiled significant steps in the energy sector that will set Malta on a path of sustainable progress. The picturesque Auberge de Castile served as the backdrop for this momentous gathering, where the Prime Minister engaged with young people on topics of utmost importance to the nation.

One standout announcement amidst the discussions was Abela’s plan to issue an international public call for the installation of wind turbines and solar panels on the sea. This initiative aligns with Malta’s aim to diversify its energy sources, foster cleaner air, and meet the European Union’s ambitious clean energy goals. Furthermore, Abela emphasised the significance of the second interconnector and the joint cooperation agreement with Libya to establish an interconnector for renewable energy supply.

These collaborations demonstrate Malta’s unwavering commitment to embracing sustainable practices and forging international partnerships in the energy sector.

In his address, Prime Minister Abela highlighted the upcoming parliamentary discussion on an Act that will establish Exclusive Economic Zones—areas beyond territorial seas where Malta holds jurisdiction. These zones will open doors for renewable energy generation, as the country will issue public calls for projects within these areas.

The meeting delved into various other pressing topics, brought forward by young prospective candidates for the Youth Advisory Forum. These subjects ranged from mental health, gender equality, and artificial intelligence to civil rights, planning, and judicial reforms. Abela underscored the government’s dedication to addressing these concerns and ensuring a better future for all Maltese citizens.

One crucial development mentioned by the Prime Minister was the establishment of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), which introduces new standards and enhanced enforcement. Additionally, the reform of contractor licensing is being implemented for the first time, bolstering the construction industry and ensuring higher quality standards.

Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed gratitude to the young individuals who took the initiative to apply for the Youth Advisory Forum, emphasizing that their shared vision for Malta’s progress unites them all. This meeting served as a platform for the candidates, aged between sixteen and thirty-five, to voice their aspirations and make a significant impact on shaping the nation’s future.

Ultimately, eight candidates will be carefully selected, forming the inaugural group of the Youth Advisory Forum. Working alongside National Youth Council representative Michaela Vassallo, these young individuals will have the unique opportunity to meet regularly with the Prime Minister for a term of eighteen months. Their valuable insights and advice will contribute to discussions on local and international laws, strategies, and plans, thereby influencing Malta’s trajectory.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul, and the National Youth Council.

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It Is Now Illegal To Collect Sea Urchins In Malta

Jul 7 2023

In a groundbreaking move to protect the fragile balance of the marine ecosystem, the Maltese government has launched a bold initiative aimed at increasing the population of sea urchins. These spiky creatures play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of 18 different fish species, making their conservation a matter of utmost importance.

Starting from today, a two-year moratorium on sea urchin collection will be imposed, signalling a significant step towards their protection. The government’s comprehensive plan consists of two joint initiatives designed to replenish the dwindling population of sea urchins and safeguard their existence for generations to come.

The first initiative, led by the Department of Aquaculture, focuses on a restocking program. Under this program, sea urchins will be cultivated and carefully released into the seas to bolster their population. By increasing their numbers, the government aims to counteract the negative impact of invasive alien species, which thrive in the absence of sea urchins and disrupt the delicate marine ecosystems.

Simultaneously, a new Legal Notice takes effect today, making the collection of sea urchins illegal during the two-year moratorium. Those found in violation of this law will face penalties. It is important to note that the importation of sea urchins is not prohibited, but restaurants and fish importers must maintain proper documentation to verify the origin of the catch in case of inspections.

To showcase their commitment to this vital cause, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, Miriam Dalli, and Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, visited the sea urchin cultivation site at Fort Sant Lucian. This visit emphasized the government’s dedication to protecting the species and preserving the marine environment.

The sea urchin cultivation plan aligns with Malta’s Multiannual National Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture (2022-2030), highlighting the importance of diversification within the aquaculture industry. The implementation strategy comprises several crucial steps, including ensuring optimal reproductive health for sea urchins held in captivity and conducting detailed studies on their nutrition and DNA analysis.

Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted a comprehensive study commissioned by the Environmental and Resources Authority, which revealed the alarming decline of sea urchin populations in Maltese waters, putting them at risk of extinction. She stressed the urgent need for this conservation measure to reverse the declining trend and ensure a sustainable population by the end of the moratorium.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said further explained the meticulous process of collecting sea urchins from Maltese waters for restocking purposes. These sea urchins are then released back into their natural habitat to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The labs at Fort Saint Lucian have been equipped with optimal conditions, including temperature and lighting, to prevent any stress during the process.

PhotoSource: Kindel Media

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61 Contraventions Issued As Transport Malta Cracks Down on Road Safety

Jul 7 2023

In pursuit of road safety, Transport Malta has unleashed a crackdown on traffic violations and the latest operation took place in San Pawl il-Baħar.

During these inspections, a staggering total of 228 vehicles were subjected to scrutiny, with the majority of them being Y-plate vehicles, accounting for a whopping 201. With no room for leniency, authorities meticulously scoured each vehicle, determined to uncover any breaches of traffic regulations.

The results were astounding, as 61 contraventions were issued to errant drivers.

To complement their stringent enforcement efforts, Transport Malta has also launched an educational campaign aimed at raising awareness about traffic regulations.

The repercussions of these inspections were not limited to mere penalties, as three vehicles were seized in the process.

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Cockroach or Divine Vision? Viral Photo Sparks Heated Debate!

Jul 7 2023

In a bizarre turn of events, the unlikeliest of creatures has become the center of a heated debate: the cockroach! Renowned exterminator and self-proclaimed cockroach enthusiast, Arnold Sciberras, took to Facebook to share his thoughts on these creepy crawlies, but little did he know that his post would ignite a firestorm of controversy.

Sciberras, known as “The Exterminator,” is no stranger to dealing with these notorious insects. In his Facebook status, he unabashedly expressed his love for the critters, with a quirky twist that only he could muster. “Cockroaches, who loves them right? (apart from me :)),” he wrote. While his affection for these pests may raise some eyebrows, it was his subsequent statements that truly captured the public’s attention.

With temperatures soaring, Sciberras claimed that discussions about cockroaches had reached a fever pitch. He lamented how exaggerated stories about these tiny creatures were only further bolstering their reputation as monstrous villains with sinister agendas. But it was one particular incident that sucked him into a sweet debate, one that piqued his naturalist curiosity.

According to Sciberras, a local photographer named Jonathan Frank captured a remarkable image near St. Paul Bay Church. It featured a freshly moulted adult American cockroach, its light-coloured exoskeleton shimmering under a unique combination of lighting and lens reflections. The resulting image, Sciberras claimed, bore an uncanny resemblance to a woman riding on the wings of the insect.

This discovery sparked widespread curiosity and intense debate, with some enthusiasts insisting that the image was none other than a divine apparition of the religious Virgin Mary herself. But Sciberras, ever the naturalist, was quick to dismiss such claims. While he acknowledged the special circumstances surrounding the photo, he maintained that it was merely a fascinating coincidence, a product of nature’s quirky sense of humor.

In his defense, Sciberras highlighted the fact that numerous insects display peculiar shapes and features that resemble human faces or even other animals. It seems Mother Nature loves to play tricks on us, leaving us astonished by the fascinating world of insects.

As the debate rages on, believers and skeptics clash in a battle of interpretations. Is it truly a divine message or just a whimsical play of light and shadows?

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