Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1390367
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 JULY 2021 NEWS ANALYSIS JAMES DEBONO THE disruption in daily life, ac- companied by a decrease in traf- fic and a rediscovery of urban and natural landscapes ushered a period of reflection on where to go from here and which pan- demic 'takeaways' we will be tak- ing with us in the post-COVID age. The strategy unveiled last week by Minister Owen Bon- nici captures this spirit of na- tional introspection referring to the need to foster the social solidarity brought about by the pandemic, recalling how "how volunteers stepped in to de- liver food and other essentials to those who were vulnerable, how young neighbours taught the elderly to use digital com- munication tools, and how res- taurants teamed up to prepare meals for essential workers and those in need". The strategy lists a number of national challenges, most of which predating the pan- demic and which are linked to an economic model which brought unprecedented eco- nomic growth but also exacer- bated social and environmental problems. And while the strategy is aimed at identifying national priorities for which policies still have to be devised by different actors, the vagueness of some of the recommendations raise the question whether this will really result in any change in direction, especially in view of pressures to press the accelera- tor in sectors like construction and tourism which contribute to many of the problems iden- tified in the strategy. Ensuring that the strategy is implemented across the board, will be the real leadership test for the Ministry entrusted with this role. Yet another green wish list? Everyone would probably agree with the recommenda- tion to "bolster" the Heritage Authority and Environment and Resource Authority's remit in planning decisions or the need to "enhance enforcement to curb illegal development and safeguard outside devel- opment zones. " The fact that the strategy restated the obvi- ous when recommending that when granting permits, the PA should "make sure the inter- pretation of policies respects environmental principles and sustainable practices" , stands out as a reminder of the dismal state of Malta's planning regu- lator. When it comes to transport the strategy speaks about "fo- cusing on reducing private car use", mandating open public spaces, green recreational are- as and pedestrian zones. It al- so calls for alternative car-free pathways which connect local- ities to make cycling and walk- ing safe and enjoyable, while maximising "maritime trans- port options". But does this not contrast with plans for the development of a tunnel linking Malta to Gozo especially when the strat- egy itself states that the use of fast ferry services around the Maltese islands "may in part alleviate the demand on the road network and contribute towards modal transport shifts in line with national transport objectives". It is difficult to rec- oncile this with embarking on one of the largest car focused infrastructural project in re- cent Maltese history. Food security The document spells out what environmentalists and farming organisation have been saying for some time: Malta is not only too dependent on food imports but that future popu- lation growth "will place addi- tional pressure on an already strained system". It also states that food se- curity needs to be improved, and identifies the potential of investing in local produce as a possible source of economic diversification. It also warns that recent rent-regulation reforms may further threaten the financial sustainability of farming, a sec- tor already under threat by lim- ited agricultural land, a lack of natural resources and a shrink- ing number of young farmers. The document also outlines a number of specific measures aimed at supporting farmers to maintain tenure over privately owned land; introduce pest-re- sistant and climate-adapted breeds and varieties, digitalisa- tion, and agricultural technol- ogies; and access new markets, distribution channels and on- line sales platforms. It also refers to the shift to- wards sustainable forms of farming with special emphasis on organic production, animal welfare, and food that is free from pesticides and antimicro- bials. But the question is how can these be reconciled with other overriding pressures like road building, which is gobbling more tracts of countryside and planning policies, which ef- fectively encourage land spec- ulation in the countryside by facilitating the development of ruins and the building a rec- reational rooms disguised as stores? Dealing with population growth The document suggests that government is rethinking its laissez faire economic mod- el with regards to population growth, which has seen an in- flux of migrant workers in the absence of a concerted integra- tion strategy. It describes the importation of labour as a " pragmatic ap- proach to plug skills short- ages" through fast-track visa schemes for third-country nationals, and the creation of special income-tax schemes for highly qualified profession- als in certain industries. While effective, these schemes have also had certain "unwanted consequences", such as "down- wards pressure on wages in cer- tain professions" and "pressure on housing, education, health, waste and infrastructure". But it remains unclear how these problems will be ad- dressed with solutions being expected in the drafting a new Post pandemic strategy: Change Malta's national post pandemic strategy comes close to a state of the nation report identifying Malta's strengths and vulnerabilities, exposed by COVID-19. But, beyond the platitudes, will it change the country's direction?