Call for better use of local science expertise

Science and technology needed to be better articulated and incorporated within the Sustainable Development Strategy, the National Commission for Sustainable Development (NCSD) said yesterday.

The commission said the current sectoral approach evident in the strategy's focus on separate themes needed to be replaced by a more coherent and holistic framework, integrating economic, social and environmental issues and the development of more cross-sectoral approaches.

"The strategy needs to focus not only on the environment but also on man's place in the environment. It should outline the opportunities opened up by science and technology in providing solutions to environmental concerns," it said.

It was recommended that local science and technology expertise and research be utilised to the full and that applied research and development by local researchers be better supported to produce specific solutions tailored to Malta's particular environment.

The NCSD said one recommendation was the development of a specific government funding line focused on environmental science and technology and applied research and development within the National Research Programme run by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST).

A consultative meeting was held for the science and technology community earlier this year as part of a series of consultations the commission is holding on national strategy. The main objectives of the meeting were to discuss sustainable development in Malta and suggest strategic directions and identify priority areas of concern to members of the science and technology community.