Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543507
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 FEBRUARY 2026 OPINION A holistic vision for Gozo: Building a sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient future GOZO, Malta's sister island, holds with- in it unique opportunities and challeng- es. Its smaller scale, rich heritage, and distinctive character make it an island of possibility - yet its double insular- ity has often translated into barriers and challenges to development, acces- sibility, and long-term sustainability. Throughout the past 13 years, the Min- istry for Gozo and Planning (MGP) not only issued several inspiring and for- ward-looking policy and strategy docu- ments (namely the 'The Gozo Regional Development Strategy 2021-2023') but also implemented numerous capital and infrastructural projects, which together help to enrich Gozo's status at both na- tional and international levels. In view of all this, the time has come to envision a forward-looking foresight for Gozo that embraces a holistic approach to balance education, environmental stewardship, sustainability, diversified economic growth, and equitable services to contin- ue strengthening and respecting Gozo's regionality status. Education as the cornerstone of regional development Education is the foundation for every transformation in all modern societies. In this regard, Gozo requires a dedicated strategy that expands higher education- al opportunities while nurturing lifelong learning. On this basis, it is essential for Gozo to have a dedicated 'regional cur- riculum', emanating from the revised National Curriculum Framework, to better cater for the island's educational regional needs and challenges. More- over, initiatives such as the creation of the Gozo Regional Study and Research Hub can act as catalysts, ensuring stu- dents and professionals have access to resources, digital infrastructures, and mentorship. By fostering research tai- lored to Gozo's unique challenges (such as marine biodiversity, renewable ener- gy, and cultural heritage) education can become both a driver of innovation and a tool for retaining young talent on the island. Environment and sustainability: Protecting gozo's natural capital Gozo's environment is not only its most prized asset but also the backbone of its identity - a fact that is not only rec- ognizes but also reinforced through the various actions and strategies present in the 'Gozo Regional Development Strat- egy'. So much so that this strategy pro- motes and calls for the preservation of Gozo as an island of distinct and unique villages. Hence, future policies need to safeguard biodiversity, agricultural land- scapes, and coastal ecosystems while promoting renewable energy, waste re- duction, and sustainable transport. In this regard, special and dedicated at- tention needs to be placed on how to (a) expanding solar and wind energy ca- pacity to minimize reliance on mainland power; (b) introducing island-specific green transport solutions such as elec- tric bus fleets, car-sharing schemes, and expanded cycle paths; and (c) protect- ing agricultural land while investing in Agri-Tech that balances tradition with innovation. By positioning itself as a sustainability model in the Mediterrane- an, Gozo can enhance its global standing while safeguarding resources for future generations. A Diversified and resilient economy Gozo's economy has historically re- lied heavily on tourism. However, re- cent experiences, such as the Convid'19 pandemic, revealed that tourism alone cannot sustain the island's development. Diversification is therefore essential! In this sense, more targeted planning needs to be done to secure a diversified and resilient Gozitan economy. A new econ- omy that homes, nurtures and revolves around: • Blue Economy Initiatives: Develop- ing marine-based industries such as aq- uaculture, sustainable fishing, and mari- time research. • Green Economy Initiatives: Support- ing renewable energy, circular economy initiatives, gastronomy, and sustainable construction. • Knowledge Economy: Expanding digital connectivity, remote-working hubs, and the Gozo University Campus to attract professionals and start-ups. • Creative and Cultural Industries: Leveraging Gozo's arts (both expressive and performative art disciplines), crafts, and heritage as niche economic pillars. This diversified framework ensures re- silience against global economic fluctua- tions and will eventually allow the island to storm ahead independently without Dr Sean Zammit serves as Head College Network (Gozo College) within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation The time has come to envision a forward- looking foresight for Gozo that embraces a holistic approach to balance education, environmental stewardship, sustainability, diversified economic growth, and equitable services to continue strengthening and respecting Gozo's regionality status