Dr. Aaron Farrugia, newly appointed Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning is under no illusion that his recently inherited portfolio is possibly one of the most challenging.
Previously responsible for European Funds and Social Dialogue, Dr. Farrugia’s portfolio has had its fair share of criticism; something which Dr. Farrugia does not shy away from but rather uses to his advantage to ensure that the environment will truly become to Malta the priority it deserves to be.
O f course, no conversation can start without a direct mention to the Covid-19 pandemic. The months in which so many people and businesses were under lockdown and working at half steam if at all caused Malta’s fast paced economy to grind to a jarring halt. The pandemic saw priorities changed, with many realising how important the environment is and realigning their priorities accordingly. In 2013, when the Labour Government came into power, the priority for the masses was mostly looking at triggering the economy – nurturing and developing it. In 2020 most people were forced to work from home. Suddenly they realised that this was not some far-fetched notion being pushed by international publications like The Economist or Time Magazine – this was a reality that was being experienced and lived through in person.
Such a change in lifestyle has yielded positive results – this is something that quite a few entrepreneurs have admitted to. Workers have become more productive in these times. The first positive outcome was the fact that they did not waste time being stressed in traffic. There were also opportunities for mini-breaks with their children – something that is not possible at their place of work – these little wins have resulted in more efficient ways of working, and in better ways of living.
In response to the question as to whether new laws or initiatives will be implemented to encourage more work from home, Dr. Farrugia pointed out that Malta is a signatory of the Paris Agreement. This agreement was a result of a commitment made by EU leaders to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The Agreement represents a bold statement of the determination of the international community under the United Nations to transform the global economy so as to limit the impact that our power generation, production methods, agriculture, and consumption patterns have on the climate system. Malta’s signature means that it has committed to a number of obligations.
Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 sets out our aspirations and priorities for mainstreaming sustainable development up till the year 2050. It is set to become our main guiding principle for developing policies and when planning and implementing projects. The Vision itself answers the question of why we need to think about the future today. It motivates us to face the challenges of the modern world and helps us achieve common objectives, while also giving meaning to our actions
A plan of action is being drawn up and should be finalised by December 2020. In this plan, there are three key changes relating to transportation, construction and the sourcing
of renewable energy – these are three key initiatives – amongst the seven that Malta has pledged to embark on.
The Hon. Dr. Farrugia explained that Government is not waiting until the end of the year to look at implementing related solutions. A case in point is the recently launched Gozo Teleworking Scheme, as announced by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri. The scheme, aimed at Gozitan workers who generally work in Malta, enhances the opportunity of them working from home, thus substantially reducing commuting time.
Prior to Dr. Farrugia’s appointment, the Ministry included sustainable development in its portfolio. The new cabinet formed by the new Prime Minister Dr. Robert Abela, saw sustainable development being moved to the Office of the Prime Minister. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela was given the responsibility to implement the wide ranging manifesto. The meaning of sustainable development in this case refers to the economy, renewable energy as well as actions relating to the narrowing of the gap between those who are more financially stable than others.
Meanwhile, Dr. Farrugia’s portfolio has seen some major changes – the largest being the inclusion of planning within the portfolio. Dr. Farrugia, in his matter of fact manner, states that the environment and planning should go hand in hand. He is pleased to have built, in a short time, a good rapport with environmental NGOs – this is perhaps the first time in the past ten years that a minister has been so highly engaged with such entities – Dr Farrugia finds it vital in order to be able to understand what these NGO’s thoughts and agendas are.
Contrary to popular belief, environmental NGOs are not against development, but rather they want to see development happen in an intelligent manner and sustainable for the longer term
Dr Farrugia’s ministry implemented tangible changes to government policy within its designated responsibilities. This put paid to the environment radicals who were clamouring for such changes to be made. An apt example to this is the Fuel Stations Policy – a long running debate; open for two years prior to Dr Farrugia’s appointment.
Dr. Farrugia took it upon himself to publish his policy in his first 100 days of tenure. The published policy, despite resulting in a complete halt of new applications, was well received by academics, environmental entities and industry stakeholders. The acceptance of such a policy was made possible due to round table discussions with the relevant planning and environmental authorities.
Government is moving towards a new era which will see one ministry taking a holistic approach, with all involved entities discussing together. The combination of elements has helped significantly in achieving productive communication.
Dr. Farrugia is a firm believer that a good politician is good manager. A good manager will perform anywhere – as long as Key Performance Indicators, targets and a good team are in place. He feels that his previous experiences – as CEO of Malta Freeport, and as Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue have given him a solid foundation for his role as Minister.
Indeed, one may notice that there is not a big difference between a corporate entity and a government ministry – as long as the right team with the right expertise is in place.
These circumstances have shown that it is possible to offer solutions that not only contribute to the well-being of the population in general but also contribute to the health of the environment. These motivate me even more to push a more aggressive agenda where the environment is concerned
Dr. Farrugia brings the example of biodiversity and his relative lack of direct expertise on the subject. Yet, he is supported by the highly experienced team at the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA). The team is responsible to ensure that their goals are implemented within the specified timelines. His responsibility is to manage the team and the results derived therefrom.
Dr. Farrugia added that he gained a broad view of what was happening in Government whilst sourcing EU funds for the various ministries when he was Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds. His role to negotiate funding for the various ministries was an invaluable experience that enabled him to get a broader view of the Government’s strategy whilst simultaneously garnering knowledge on the ins and outs of the European Commission.
photo; Dr Aaron Farrugia addressing various EU Funds beneficiaries in 2018
Alternative Methods of Transport
Perhaps there is no better way to drive a message through than by setting an example. Dr. Farrugia recently made the news for a different kind of reason – using public transport on several occasions, at times with his family. Dr. Farrugia readily admits that he is car free mostly on weekends as the nature of his work requires him to be called into meetings at very short notice.
Apart from doing his bit to protect our planet, making more use of public transport has enabled him to meet more people and get the opportunity to speak to them whilst he travels. And in so doing, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Planning of course is striving to instil a sense of responsibility in our citizens by setting the right example. But the most frequent observation made is “We would like to make use of public transport but would like a better service” – Dr. Farrugia understands that taking an hour and a half to go to work is not acceptable.
So how can government approach it? Is it a case of optimising the current system so that people are encouraged to use it or give incentives to use the system and then improve on it?
Dr. Farrugia believes that the solution has to go both ways – and from the Government’s side this means continuing to facilitate alternative transport means – including continuing to provide incentives to invest in hybrid and electric cars, continuing to improve public transport, and continuing to work on alternative mass public transport solutions.
We want to move towards having more electric cars on the road. Therefore, it is time to start working on charging points for electric cars, not the development of more fuel stations
On this matter, Dr Farrugia points out that “as we are surrounded by the sea, we should be making the most of it.” He believes that transportation solutions such as fast ferries could be a game changer. Transport Malta is exploring ways at making more use of ferries which would see them landing in areas like St. Julian’s, Ta’ Xbiex and St. Paul’s Bay in addition to the already existing ones in Sliema, Valletta and Cottonera; endeavours which the Minister fully supports and assists in his ministerial capacities.
Land Reclamation and Waste Management
There have been many articles published in an attempt to use land reclamation. Land reclamation is not something completely new to Malta – our forefathers used land reclamation to extend Msida’s footprint – the area in front of Msida parish church is built on reclaimed land. 90% of the Malta Freeport area is also on reclaimed land.
However, this is a very expensive exercise and one has to consider the protection of the flora and fauna.
Although studies to attempt to establish the minimal impact to the environment, Dr. Farrugia feels that land reclamation will be a small part of the solution when it comes to recycling construction waste. The real solution for such waste is the recycling and production of reconstituted stone – a cost effective initiative for which good strides have been made.
Meanwhile, the Government has been focusing a lot of energy on a long term waste management plan through Wasteserv.
An application for an outline development permit to build a waste-to-energy plant in Magħtab, dubbed Ecohive, has been submitted. The plants will be operating on a three pronged concept – Reuse, Reduce and Recycle. Waste is not just rubbish waiting to be buried but can be used to produce energy and resources, concluded Dr. Farrugia.
Reports in the past alleging that waste was not being separated properly raised serious concerns about the efficacy of Malta’s waste separation scheme, with some people questioning whether separating their waste is useful at all. This occurred in spite of thee significant ‘Sort it Out’ campaign – was this really the case? Dr. Farrugia’s answer was an emphatic no. The campaign worked and achieved good results particularly with young children who are known to police their parents when it comes to waste separation. It is often overlooked that earlier on, green waste had to be mixed with standard waste in order to give the mass weight required for organic waste processing. This may have led people to believe – and may have facilitated story
telling – that any waste separation efforts were misfiring.
as we are surrounded by the sea, we should be making the most of it
Dr Farrugia clarified that organic waste – originating from plant or animal sources and which may be broken down by other living organisms is taken to the Sant’ Antnin Plant in Marsascala. Eventually, the plant will also be in a position to create compost which will be made available to farmers.
Waste Separation will eventually be introduced to commercial entities. Although this will be a much harder challenge than that of residential waste, Dr. Farrugia is not deterred and is determined that Malta will reach it international obligations; also by adjusting to this process.
From Grey to Green
Greener and socially conscious projects were always encouraged by Local Councils, but budgetary limitations meant that these were mostly restricted to the planting of trees and bushes. Previously the funding framework only provided 70% of the funds required for each project, with the remaining 30% having had to be sourced or funded by Local Councils. This more often than not resulted in councils not pursuing projects.
Recent changes made to the Development Planning Fund – financed by the planning gain fee required to be paid by all development projects – will bring about 100% funding for environmental measures in urban areas. To further persuade councils to take action , the previous €5m threshold has been upped to €7million. Local Councils such as Lija, St. Julian’s, Cospicua, Vittoriosa, St. Venera and Ta’ Xbiex have already put in their proposals for green projects – making the Ministry optimistic that this will spur other localities too to jump onto the bandwagon.
Final thoughts
Construction and the environment may well be regarded as being at opposite poles, and it has come as a welcome surprise to many that they have been both placed in the same capable hands of Dr Aaron Farrugia and the Ministry he has been tasked to spearhead. His predominant challenge undoubtedly lies in how this marriage will work. Will there be matrimonial harmony, or will it lead to a messy divorce?
Yet, he faces all this with aplomb. His strong managerial and entrepreneurial skills have seen him achieve a lot in a little time. From his first days in the role, Dr. Farrugia has shown a no-nonsense yet optimistic approach, and stakeholders have already commenced to sit down and together discuss his vision; and to see directives of his, which fast became legislation, already bear fruit.
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