Landscapes

What is the current status of Maltese landscape?

The Maltese landscape may be characterised as a cultural landscape with a combination of elements that give it a distinct character that is unique in the world.

Since 1990 there has been a limited but noticeable improvement in townscapes in terms of architectural quality and public amenities, with more attention to landscaping, treatment of façades and public open space. Overall, however, landscape is threatened by the increasing built-up area, industrial and coastal development, taller buildings on urban fringes obstructing views of historical centres, modern agricultural practices, increasing vehicular access, littering, poor standards of design and work, and lack of maintenance.

The landscape assessment study has provided a firm foundation for better landscape protection in strategic and subsidiary land-use plans.

Some important areas of high quality landscape character, particularly in Gozo and Comino and inland Malta, have not yet been given statutory protection.

The State of the Environment Report 2005 is a MEPA publication available on www.mepa.org.mt