Land reclamation, when considering Malta, is the dumping of construction waste in shallow sea environments, our coasts, and as a result creating land. Whoever is planning on going through with reclaiming land is banking on people not knowing this fact. If that were to happen, even if people see the news article on reclamation, they will keep scrolling because they will think the word ‘reclamation’ is not of concern since they would not know what it means.

If you look up ‘Malta land reclamation’ you will find an article about plans to reclaim land in the only place feasible, which is Xghajra. Another article would contain details about plans to reclaim land in the only place feasible, Bahar ic-caghaq. Moreover, you will also find an article saying that plans are only indicative and will expand further. Therefore, how is anyone going to get enough correct information to question the situation when no concrete information is being given? Therefore, I dug deeper and did my research to acquire that concrete information.

The main reason for this project is to find a place for the extra construction waste produced. The possibility of recycling the waste isn’t regarded because through the land-reclamation they can sell the waste and cut on other costs. It is true, land-reclamation means more land space, and a huge profit yet the issues outweigh the benefits by a landslide.

Countries like Japan, the Netherlands and China have gone through a boom in land-reclamation in the past. Yet all of them, after a few years, faced issues that cannot be or are near to impossible to be solved. These issues involve; loss of biodiversity, decrease in coastal water quality, destruction of marine life due to the drastic change of environment, loss of area for migratory birds, less feeding grounds for birds and less area for fisheries. This list isn’t complete and other factors are also affected.

The public were not given a vote or a voice with regards to the matter. Moreover, youth need a voice when considering something that has such an impact on the future of the country therefore this should be decided by the citizens, especially youth, and not by the select few.

This petition is to give us a say. We need to voice our opinions and make a difference in the direction Malta is headed. So, help me try to make a difference and save the coasts of Malta.