Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546942
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 2 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS Gozo climate neutrality plan enters implementation phase An agreement has been signed between the Gozo Regional Development Authority and the Climate Action Authority to begin implementing a plan aimed at making Gozo Malta's first climate-neutral region AN agreement has been signed between the Gozo Regional De- velopment Authority (GRDA) and the Climate Action Authori- ty (CAA) to begin implementing a plan aimed at making Gozo Malta's first climate-neutral re- gion. The memorandum of under- standing was signed during the Gozo Towards Climate Neu- trality conference, where a plan outlining the steps towards the target was also presented. Gozo Minister Clint Camill- eri said the plan identified areas with the greatest potential for reducing emissions, the invest- ment required and measures that could realistically be implement- ed. "The plan published today is an important step to continue to realise our vision of Gozo be- coming the first climate-neutral region in Malta," Camilleri said. He said the agreement would strengthen cooperation between the GRDA and CAA and help move the process from planning to implementation. The initia- tive forms part of the Regional Development Strategy for Gozo 2023–2033, which seeks to com- bine economic development with environmental sustainabil- ity, resilience and an improved quality of life. Camilleri said Gozo had al- ready begun its transition through measures including a fully electric public transport fleet, investment in renewable energy and cleaner mobility, en- vironmental rehabilitation pro- jects and investment in water resilience. He also said climate adaptation needed to remain a priority, including through the protection of water resources, more resilient infrastructure and safeguarding the natural envi- ronment. Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Gozo Mario Borg said achieving climate neu- trality presented particular chal- lenges for small islands such as Gozo, where land and resourc- es are limited. He said the plan provided a practical strategy that sought to balance environmental objectives with these constraints. GRDA chief executive Juergen Attard said the plan was based on evidence and provided a clearer picture of the measures required. He said the agreement was the beginning of the implementation phase, during which the findings would need to be translated in- to concrete measures aimed at improving Gozo's sustainability and resilience. CAA chief executive Abigail Cutajar said the authority's role was to link Gozo's regional am- bitions with national climate policy. She said decisions re- lating to energy, transport and planning should not be taken in isolation, adding that tools such as EcoTrack were already help- ing public entities measure their consumption. The next stage will involve the government, GRDA, CAA and other entities working together to translate the plan into con- crete projects and measures. Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said the plan identified areas with the greatest potential for reducing emissions, the investment required and measures that could realistically be implemented (Photo: DOI) Car boot sale at Victoria Ground to raise funds for Friends of the Sick and Elderly A community car boot sale will be held at the Victoria Ground in Rabat, Gozo, on 11 October, with proceeds going towards Friends of the Sick and Elderly in Gozo. The event, billed as a day of "charity, community" and bargains, will run from 6am until 1pm, with free entrance for buyers. Visitors will be able to browse a wide range of items, including toys, books, clothing, homeware, plants, crafts and refreshments, as well as homemade baked goods. Organisers are inviting the public to take part in what is being promoted as a com- munity-focused event sup- porting people in need. The promotional material also highlights the sale as an opportunity for families and bargain hunters to spend the morning browsing second-hand and vintage items, while contributing to a charitable cause. The event will take place at The Victoria Ground in Rabat, Gozo, on Saturday, 11 October. The event will take place at The Victoria Ground in Rabat, Gozo, on Saturday, 11 October