Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544087
A €2 million national scheme supporting the restoration and conservation of properties in Gozo has opened for applica- tions, targeting homeowners, NGOs and businesses within Ur- ban Conservation Areas (UCAs). The "Irrestawra Darek u l-Vil- laġġ" scheme aims to fund works that preserve architectural herit- age across the island, with grants covering restoration, mainte- nance and conservation of build- ings in designated historic zones. Applications for the Gozo region opened on March 25 and will close on April 1. Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri, said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to safeguard Gozo's architec- tural identity while encourag- ing property owners to invest in restoration. He added that the scheme also contributes to sustainable development and preparations linked to Gozo's bid for the 2031 European Capital of Culture in Victoria. The scheme is being adminis- tered by the Planning Author- ity, whose executive chairman Johann Buttigieg outlined strong demand in previous re- gional calls. More than 400 ap- plications were submitted in the Western Region and over 370 in the Southern Region, with most qualifying for fund- ing and exhausting allocations within days. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 27 MARCH 2026 • ISSUE 089 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt €1.00 CONTINUES PAGE 3 €2 million restoration scheme opens for properties in UCA Gozo's missing nature unit signals inaction, expert says CONTINUES PAGE 3 THE lack of a dedicated envi- ronmental crime unit in Gozo is sending a clear message that such offences are not a priority for the government, a spokesperson for the Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) warned, speaking to GozoToday. "Abroad and in Malta, we have special units that are trained," the spokesperson said. "Right now, offenders know that such a unit does not exist in Gozo, they know they will have time to flee the scene, they know the police won't find the coordinates." A €2 million national scheme supporting the restoration and conservation of properties in Gozo has opened for applications, targeting homeowners, NGOs and businesses within Urban Conservation Areas