Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1267088
14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 JULY 2020 COMMERCIAL 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 con- gestion, we are witnessing the impact of urban development trends on the island's spatial quality. Now, more than ever, mechanisms to introduce a sense of stewardship for the use of our land resources are essential. Malta's condition maybe linked to a disconnect between long term planning and de- mands 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, There 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 mainstreaming issues related to the environ- ment, climate change and the community within policy mak- ing. "The 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. "The epic journey of sustain- able development really started at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Develop- ment in Rio. Here countries signed up to adopt of an action plan for sustainable develop- ment for the 21st century. The guide for spatial planning was there too, calling for an inte- grated approach to the plan- ning 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 en- ergy provision. "The role of the planner is to advance a country's vision," Ms Borg said. "The 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, environmental quality has been placed on the same decision-making table. As sectoral demands influence national decisions linked to physical development there is however a constant risk of fo- cusing on the immediate tangi- ble economic figures. 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 The Authority's biggest client is the 'silent' public, the ones who never actually submit a planning application. We are a public entity, not a private company and therefore we are expected to ensure that the outcome of planning decisions benefits the wider community