Gozo climate neutrality plan enters implementation phase

An agreement has been signed between the Gozo Regional Development Authority (GRDA) and the Climate Action Authority (CAA) to begin implementing a plan aimed at making Gozo Malta’s first climate-neutral region.

The memorandum of understanding was signed during the Gozo Towards Climate Neutrality conference, where a plan outlining the steps towards the target was also presented.

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. “The plan published today is an important step to continue to realise our vision of Gozo becoming 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 initiative forms part of the Regional Development Strategy for Gozo 2023–2033, which seeks to combine economic development with environmental sustainability, resilience and an improved quality of life.

Camilleri said Gozo had already begun its transition through measures including a fully electric public transport fleet, investment in renewable energy and cleaner mobility, environmental rehabilitation projects 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 environment.

Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Gozo Mario Borg said achieving climate neutrality presented particular challenges for small islands such as Gozo, where land and resources 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 into 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 ambitions with national climate policy. She said decisions relating to energy, transport and planning should not be taken in isolation, adding that tools such as EcoTrack were already helping public entities measure their consumption.

The next stage will involve the government, GRDA, CAA and other entities working together to translate the plan into concrete projects and measures.