The Gibraltar Programme on Climate Change is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The overall objective of this Programme is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to conserve energy. The Government of Gibraltar shall ensure climate change adaptation in compliance with the EU Kyoto commitments. Environmental sustainability will be ensured through climate change adaptation and mitigation to meet the needs of present and future generations. Taking into account the ecological contribution, green areas will be preserved and expanded. Particularly the Upper Rock and Alameda Gardens will be preserved which have been designated as Sites of Community Importance by the European Council under the Habitats Directive. Soil conservation will be ensured for biomass production in agriculture and forestry sectors, storing, filtering and transforming nutrients, substances and water, biodiversity conservation, and for acting as carbon pool. Soil degradation arising from human activities and nature itself will be prevented. Sustainable soil management will be ensured by mitigating the adverse impacts and restoring and remedying degraded lands for current and future use. The reuse of soil will be promoted to prevent soil loss. Energy conservation will be ensured to meet energy demands in an environmentally sustainable manner. Energy efficiency will be maximized through optimal use of heating systems in buildings. In addition to this, the Government of Gibraltar will promote better energy efficiency in the domestic and commercial sectors. Energy savings will be encouraged to reduce the pressure on natural resources for power generation. Furthermore the future installation of renewable energy facilities will be designed with eco-friendly technologies and materials. Measures will be taken to ensure energy efficiency such as the introduction of green roofs, promotion of use of renewable energy, emissions reduction in the transport sector, capacity building through environmental education and awareness, effective waste management, recycling of wastes, risk assessment, and climate change adaptation. Public awareness will be raised through publications that spread awareness of the special features of the environment. Protected area management will be strengthened to ensure the protection and restoration of key habitats, species and landscapes. Effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms will be established to apply polluter pays principle. The implementation of this Climate Change Programme will be monitored every ten years and if necessary updated by the Local Climate Change Forum. The Forum will act as a technical advisory group to provide technical, scientific and managerial advice to Government on policy development and implementation. The Forum consists of local professionals, scientists and relevant Government officials that are appointed by the Government of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar (RU) · 2008-01-01