Strategic plan for environment and development

SPED – What will this strategic plan achieve?

With the enactment of the Environment and Development Planning Act of 2010 (EDPA) the approach to strategic planning has been broadened to encompass the concept of spatial planning where the focus is in translating economic, social, cultural and environmental policies in a geographical context. This has led to the initial process for the preparation of the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED).

This strategic plan will ensure that plans, policies and programmes issued under the EDPA are spatial, holistic and comprehensive so that all factors in relation to land and sea resources and related environment conservation are addressed and included and to balance demands for development with socio-economic considerations and the need to protect the environment

SPED will replace the Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands which was published in 1990 and adopted in 1992 and will provide a strategic spatial policy framework for environment and development up to 2020 complementing the government’s policy direction for the same period.

Mepa is currently carrying out a public consultation exercise on the government’s strategic objectives for the preparation of SPED.

How social aspects, economic growth and environmental standards are addressed by this Plan will affect your quality of life. This is an opportunity to influence the decision-making process to shape the way development will take place – you can give a voice to your opinion.

The document can be accessed on www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation.