Recreational green areas will be increased while pollution hotspots will be identified as part of a new strategic plan to be drawn up for Malta’s development until 2020.
Government must lead by example
The plan is set to prioritise the redevelopment of already used land and encourage the decoupling of development and economic growth, Environment Minister Mario de Marco said.
The Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development will be drafted by a team of technical experts at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
The draft is currently open to a six-week public consultation.
It will replace the 1992 Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands, although Dr de Marco yesterday made it clear the new plan would not modify existing development zones.
The plan’s strategic objectives include integrating renewable energy infrastructure into buildings and prioritising better integration of public transport into people’s everyday lives.
“Future development in Malta must match our evolving economy as well as environmental and social challenges,” Dr de Marco said.
“We need to encourage the reuse of already developed land and the government, as a major land owner, must lead by example on this count.” He said the plan should help distinguish between economic growth and land development, saying “one does not necessarily require the other”.
Michelle Borg, from the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit, ran through the plan’s strategic framework and key focuses. Urban zones, rural areas and coastal areas will all be tackled distinctly, with a separate section dedicated to Gozo.
The plan will also adopt a thematic approach to development, doing away with what Ms Borg described as the “reductionist” approach to development which had come to dominate Malta.
Mepa chairman Austin Walker said the authority’s technical experts would be working on the plan under significant time pressure: it is expected to be completed and approved by the end of the year.
The public can see the draft plan on the Mepa or Environment Ministry websites.