Young people are playing a leading role in the public consultation on the creation of national parks, as part of the initiative “Shape your space”, organised by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness. Youth representatives met Minister Miriam Dalli and Project Green’s Chief Operations Officer, Architect Beverley Costa, to discuss proposals for transforming White Rocks into a national park designed “from people, for people”.
Participants included youths from the National Youth Council, the student organisation SACES, and the Youth Advisory Forum. The meeting forms part of a series of consultations on proposed national parks at White Rocks, Fort Campbell and Manoel Island. The current phase is focused on White Rocks in Pembroke, where students from three schools, the Eastern Region, and nearby localities have already been involved.
White Rocks is divided into three zones: existing buildings, the coastal and mixed garigue area, and agricultural land. During an open discussion, youths shared ideas on how these areas could be integrated into a park combining art, sport, farm-to-fork concepts, different cultures, and nature. Covering 369,000 square metres, with structures occupying 38% of the site, the area was described as having strong potential for relaxation, environmental education, and sustainable energy use.
“Young people are not just important stakeholders, but key partners in these projects,” Minister Miriam Dalli said, adding that she looked forward to building further on their proposals. Architect Beverley Costa highlighted how youth ideas can help shape “a holistic, multi-use space for people of all ages”.
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