Petition No.: 91 Signatures: 1818
Fourteenth Legislature (2022 - 2026 )
Details - Online
Title
Creation of a Specialised Police Team for the Protection of the Environment (EPU) in Gozo
Date
14-03-2026
Date petition closes for signatures
16-05-2026
Creator of petition
WILFRID BUTTIGIEG
Grievance
To the Honourable Speaker and the Members of the House of Representatives,
This petition is being presented on behalf of the NGO Malta Ranger Unit (VO/2443).
We, the undersigned, call upon the competent authorities to take immediate action and establish a Specialised Police Team for the Protection of the Environment (Environmental Protection Unit – EPU) in Gozo.
While Malta already has a Police unit dedicated to environmental crimes, known as the Environmental Protection Unit, Gozo currently does not benefit from the same specialised service. Environmental offences on the island are presently addressed by District Police officers, alongside their other operational responsibilities.
The western coast of Gozo and Comino include several Natura 2000 sites and environmentally sensitive areas that form part of the natural heritage of the Maltese Islands. These areas require continuous monitoring and effective enforcement in order to protect biodiversity and preserve these natural spaces.
However, environmental offences such as illegal dumping of waste, damage to natural sites, and breaches of environmental laws often occur in remote areas and require specialised knowledge of environmental legislation. For this reason, there is a need for a dedicated police unit specialised in investigating and enforcing environmental laws.
The natural environment of Gozo is a national heritage asset and one of the most valuable resources of the Maltese Islands. Insufficient enforcement may lead to increasing environmental abuse, with serious consequences for the environment and for future generations.
Therefore, we, the undersigned, respectfully request that the House of Representatives:
Recognise the need for more effective environmental enforcement in Gozo;
Call upon the Government and the Malta Police Force to establish a specialised Environmental Protection Unit operating in Gozo;
Ensure that such a unit is provided with the necessary resources and training to effectively enforce environmental laws.
This petition is being presented on behalf of the NGO Malta Ranger Unit (VO/2443).
We, the undersigned, call upon the competent authorities to take immediate action and establish a Specialised Police Team for the Protection of the Environment (Environmental Protection Unit – EPU) in Gozo.
While Malta already has a Police unit dedicated to environmental crimes, known as the Environmental Protection Unit, Gozo currently does not benefit from the same specialised service. Environmental offences on the island are presently addressed by District Police officers, alongside their other operational responsibilities.
The western coast of Gozo and Comino include several Natura 2000 sites and environmentally sensitive areas that form part of the natural heritage of the Maltese Islands. These areas require continuous monitoring and effective enforcement in order to protect biodiversity and preserve these natural spaces.
However, environmental offences such as illegal dumping of waste, damage to natural sites, and breaches of environmental laws often occur in remote areas and require specialised knowledge of environmental legislation. For this reason, there is a need for a dedicated police unit specialised in investigating and enforcing environmental laws.
The natural environment of Gozo is a national heritage asset and one of the most valuable resources of the Maltese Islands. Insufficient enforcement may lead to increasing environmental abuse, with serious consequences for the environment and for future generations.
Therefore, we, the undersigned, respectfully request that the House of Representatives:
Recognise the need for more effective environmental enforcement in Gozo;
Call upon the Government and the Malta Police Force to establish a specialised Environmental Protection Unit operating in Gozo;
Ensure that such a unit is provided with the necessary resources and training to effectively enforce environmental laws.
Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to
Through this petition, the undersigned respectfully request that the House of Representatives and the competent authorities:
Establish a specialised Police Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) operating in Gozo;
Ensure that this unit is adequately equipped with the necessary personnel, resources and training to investigate and effectively enforce environmental laws;
Strengthen environmental law enforcement in Gozo, particularly in sensitive areas such as Natura 2000 sites and other protected natural areas.
Establish a specialised Police Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) operating in Gozo;
Ensure that this unit is adequately equipped with the necessary personnel, resources and training to investigate and effectively enforce environmental laws;
Strengthen environmental law enforcement in Gozo, particularly in sensitive areas such as Natura 2000 sites and other protected natural areas.
Closing remarks
Protection of the Natural Environment of the Maltese Islands
The natural environment of the Maltese Islands is limited and is increasingly under pressure. Safeguarding what remains is not only a moral obligation, but also an essential responsibility towards future generations.
Protected nature not only safeguards biodiversity, but also provides tranquillity, reflection and natural spaces that strengthen the mental well-being and quality of life of our community.
Principle of Equality in Services
Gozo should benefit from the same level of environmental protection and enforcement as Malta. The absence of a specialised Environmental Protection Unit in Gozo creates a disparity in environmental enforcement services between the two islands, despite the fact that Gozo includes a significant number of environmentally sensitive sites and protected areas.
Economic and Tourism Importance of the Environment
Effective protection of Gozo’s natural environment is also an important factor for the island’s economy, particularly within the sustainable tourism sector. A protected and well-preserved natural environment helps ensure that Gozo remains a destination of quality, providing direct benefits to the local community and supporting the island’s sustainable development.
For these reasons, we believe that the establishment of a specialised police unit dedicated to environmental protection in Gozo is no longer simply an option, but a necessity.
The natural environment of the Maltese Islands is limited and is increasingly under pressure. Safeguarding what remains is not only a moral obligation, but also an essential responsibility towards future generations.
Protected nature not only safeguards biodiversity, but also provides tranquillity, reflection and natural spaces that strengthen the mental well-being and quality of life of our community.
Principle of Equality in Services
Gozo should benefit from the same level of environmental protection and enforcement as Malta. The absence of a specialised Environmental Protection Unit in Gozo creates a disparity in environmental enforcement services between the two islands, despite the fact that Gozo includes a significant number of environmentally sensitive sites and protected areas.
Economic and Tourism Importance of the Environment
Effective protection of Gozo’s natural environment is also an important factor for the island’s economy, particularly within the sustainable tourism sector. A protected and well-preserved natural environment helps ensure that Gozo remains a destination of quality, providing direct benefits to the local community and supporting the island’s sustainable development.
For these reasons, we believe that the establishment of a specialised police unit dedicated to environmental protection in Gozo is no longer simply an option, but a necessity.