Malta Ranger Unit Calls for Dedicated Environmental Police Presence in Gozo

Call for Enhanced Enforcement

The Malta Ranger Unit, a non-governmental organization dedicated to environmental protection, has officially urged the authorities to establish a permanent presence of the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) in Gozo. The call comes in response to what the unit describes as a significant and concerning surge in environmental offenses across the sister island.

Addressing Environmental Crime

According to the Malta Ranger Unit, the current enforcement mechanisms are insufficient to address the scale of illegal activities occurring in rural and coastal areas. The organization has highlighted several recurring issues that necessitate a specialized police presence, including:

• Illegal dumping of construction and household waste in protected areas
• Unauthorized land development and encroachment
• Illegal hunting and trapping activities
• Damage to protected flora and fauna

The unit argues that a dedicated EPU detachment would provide the necessary authority and resources to conduct regular patrols, investigate reports of environmental damage, and act as a deterrent against future offenses.

The Need for Specialized Oversight

The Malta Ranger Unit emphasized that while they work to monitor and report environmental breaches, they lack the legal enforcement powers of the police. By integrating the Environmental Protection Unit into Gozo, the authorities could ensure a more rapid and effective response to crimes that threaten the island's ecological integrity. A spokesperson for the unit stated, 'The current situation requires a more robust and specialized approach to law enforcement to ensure that environmental laws are respected and upheld.' The proposal remains a focal point in ongoing discussions regarding environmental governance in Malta.