The Ministry for Gozo (MGOZ) is the competent authority for the management of the natural resources of the island of Gozo. It is also the authority responsible for economic development, with particular attention paid to the tourism sector.
The “EcoGozo” Regional Development Directorate, established in 2009, operates within the Ministry and consists of a multidisciplinary team of about twelve officials. It is also active in the field of conservation and restoration of Natura 2000 sites.
Specifically, EcoGozo brings a scientific component to a decision-making institution, contributing to the process of defining the island’s development policies. It is also responsible for organising and implementing educational campaigns aimed at children and the general population for the promotion of the environmental heritage.
MGOZ managed funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the implementation of various projects within the 2004/2006 and 2007/2013 programming. Through these projects, the Ministry has improved Gozo’s road infrastructure, strengthened the production of energy from renewable sources and regenerated important cultural sites. It has also established new structures dedicated to the promotion of local crafts and tourism studies. In 2016, again utilising ERDF funds, it also established a regional museum.
Thanks to the European Social Fund (ESF), it has organised training courses in the tourism, crafts, e-commerce and business development sectors.
With the SIMBIOTIC project, co-financed under the Italy-Malta 2007-2013 Cooperation Programme, MGOZ participated in a pilot study for the experimentation of new techniques in the field of reforestation and ecosystem restoration. With SWMED, co-financed under the European Neighborhood Partnership Initiative, MGOZ has been involved in initiatives aimed at raising awareness among the population on the sustainable use of water as a resource.
Furthermore, with the ICER (Interreg IVC) project, it has identified and encouraged a series of best practices aimed at promoting ecotourism. Currently, the Ministry participates in an Interreg Europe – “Destination SMEs” project, with the objective of improving public policies aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises operating in the tourism sector.
