Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1260752
18.06.2020 10 TOWNSCAPES THE pace of socio-economic growth in Malta over the past years has resulted in visibly mounting pressure on our en- vironment, infrastructure and culture. Amid noise and air pollution, construction and congestion, we are witnessing the impact of urban development trends on the island's spatial quality. Now, more than ever, mecha- nisms to introduce a sense of stewardship for the use of our land resources are essential. Malta's condition maybe linked to a disconnect be- tween long term planning and demands for development. Michelle Borg, Green and Blue Development Unit Man- ager at the Planning Author- ity is optimistic that "things might finally be moving in the right direction again, ere are always many factors at play, but hopefully we're now on a journey – albeit a slow one – of increased awareness to the benefits of effective spatial planning." Since 2016, the Green and Blue Development Unit has been tasked with the chal- lenging task of mainstream- ing issues related to the envi- ronment, climate change and the community within policy making. "e government presents us with national objectives, and we try to steer the process of reaching those goals in the di- rection of sustainable develop- ment," Borg said. "e epic journey of sus- tainable development really started at the 1992 UN Con- ference on Environment and Development in Rio. Here countries signed up to adopt of an action plan for sustain- able development for the 21st century. e guide for spatial planning was there too, calling for an integrated approach to the planning and management of land resources. Malta's long term planning process began at the same time." Spatial planning is concerned with using land efficiently to create our urban environment. Besides residences, infra- structure is crucial, including schools, hospitals, road net- works, sewage systems and energy provision. "e role of the planner is to advance a country's vision," Borg said. "e planner translates and informs policy to work within the country's physical context. In Malta, , the continued pro- gress of society within such a tiny archipelago is baffling for many, and therein lies our re- silience. Yet, the balance be- tween supporting economic performance and providing liveable spaces over time, is a dynamic one. It must change to reflect the socio-economic and political circumstances of the age. Since 1992, environ- mental quality has been placed on the same decision-making table. As sectoral demands influence national decisions linked to physical develop- ment there is however a con- stant risk of focusing on the immediate tangible economic figures. "We must remember, though, that the Authority's biggest client is the 'silent' public, the ones who never actually sub- Planning for the common good In her role of driving for sustainable development at the Planning Authority, Michelle Borg believes that listening to the right experts as well as to that silent stakeholder – the public – will improve Malta's quality of the built environment and help to steer spatial planning for the common good "Because planning is strongly linked with high economic stakes, various stakeholder interests transform it into a highly divisive process, not just in Malta"