The coastal zone within the Maltese islands is perceived as a limitless resource that can accommodate all types of uses, in particular the marine environment, which is not covered by an adequate property management system.

Consequently this has given rise to conflicts as the limited coastal space on land has been gradually taken up by uses that do not necessitate a coastal location, to the detriment of the legitimate coastal uses as well as the natural and cultural resources.

With the coast accommodating most of the nation’s strategic infrastructure (energy, ports, desalination and sewage treatment plants) and it being identified as a tourism zone in Malta’s current tourism policy, the impacts from user conflicts within the coast become even more significant.

The thematic issues and the Maltese spatial structure identified three thematic objectives that cover the coastal zone and marine area:

Objective 22: To prioritise uses that necessitate a location on the coastal zone and marine area in a manner which minimises user conflicts, does not accelerate coastal erosion, protects biodiversity, cultural heritage, landscapes and visual access to them, public access and use and increases resilience to climate change impacts

Objective 23: To facilitate the sustainable development of the fishing and aquaculture industries.

Objective 24: To ensure that existing coastal recreational resources are protected, enhanced and accessible and to facilitate the provision of new recreational facilities which do not restrict or interfere with physical and visual public access of the coast and in a manner which does not have an unacceptable adverse impact on protected areas, species and areas of high landscape sensitivity. Mepa is currently carrying out a public consultation exercise on government’s strategic objectives for the preparation of the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED). How social aspects, economic growth and environmental standards are addressed by this plan will affect your quality of life. This is an opportunity to influence the decision-making process to shape the way development will take place – you can give a voice to your opinion.

The document can be accessed on line from: www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation.

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