In December 2022, representatives of seven of Gozo’s leading NGOs and constituted bodies met in Victoria for a meeting that set the stage to build the broadest coalition of Gozo stakeholders getting together with one common purpose.
The people joining that first meeting were the presidents of seven key stakeholders including the CEOs and some council members of each entity. The entities represented included the island’s three Gozo-based environmental NGOs, Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, Wirt Għawdex and Għawdix, representing the environmental and heritage heartbeat of Gozo; the two largest business bodies, the Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Tourism Association, representing the voices of industry and commerce and the tourism industry in Gozo respectively; Kunsill Reġjonali Għawdex, representing the 14 local councils in Gozo, and, in turn, all the communities of Gozo; and the Gozo University Group, representing Gozitan youth and our future generations.
The goal behind the meeting was simple. Each of the seven entities had, over the previous two years, expressed growing concern and trepidation about the direction of Gozo and the seemingly haphazard manner in which its built and natural environment, together with the island’s archaeological, historical and anthropological patrimony were being threatened.
The main, but not the only, cause of the threat was the construction industry and the decisions of the Planning Authority, which, in many cases, did not seem to make sense within the context of mega developments and other smaller pencil developments being approved in sensitive parts of Gozitan villages, Urban Conservation Areas (UCA), rural Outside Development Zone (ODZ) areas and the coast. Other issues were of equal interest to all parties, including the direction of Gozo’s traditional industries, commerce and the tourism sector.
There was a strong feeling that Gozo was under threat of becoming a carbon copy of Malta in terms of the built environment, robbing the island of its particular charm and magical qualities that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to its shores every year and, over the years, millions of visitors – both short-term holidaymakers and many others who were captivated by the unique lifestyle offered by Gozo and had decided to move permanently with their families to our island home to integrate and support local communities.
Coming from such diverse sectors, reaching an agreement was not without its challenges. However, there was a ‘coming together of minds’ on many key issues, with the seven entities choosing to focus on the areas where there was clear convergence of views.
As a result, an eight-point plan was finalised and agreed to by all parties. The plan is designed to present a clear way forward to the authorities, backed by stakeholders representing practically every facet of Gozitan society.
The eight-point plan is designed to present a clear way forward to the authorities, backed by practically every facet of Gozitan society- Godfrey Swain
It was made clear from the outset that the stakeholders behind ‘Għal Għawdex’ are very supportive of the continuing development of Gozo and will encourage all sustainable initiatives to continue supporting the construction industry once the industry recognises the special qualities of Gozo and pursues a construction policy where the built and natural environment are respected, while promoting the long-term sustainable development and prosperity of the island.
The eight-point plan being proposed by the key stakeholders revolves around important aspects that affect Gozo’s development. The key strategic point of our proposals revolves around a new regional plan for Gozo.
The current situation shows that the same planning policies that applied to both Malta and Gozo have not resulted in a beneficial situation for Gozo and have impacted it negatively. This new planning approach should include, for example, classifying Gozo as a Design Priority Area and having mandatory parking facilities for new apartment blocks.
Until, however, such a planning approach is developed, it is important that certain interim measures are implemented immediately. These include the strict enforcement of the 150-metre buffer zone around historical and scheduled buildings and monuments, respecting and not exceeding the existing height of historical and scheduled buildings, eliminating all existing loopholes and prohibiting the use of summary applications. Only full development applications should be submitted in such areas.
Regulations such as the DC2015 Annex 2 Regulations, which have impacted negatively the Gozitan landscape and which have incentivised the wrong type of development, should also be suspended, recognising that this should not apply in full for already severely compromised areas like Marsalforn and Xlendi. Other important interim measures should include the extension of Urban Conservation Area boundaries, depending on the characteristics of each locality, and a moratorium on new ODZ applications.
Another key aspect of our proposals revolves around new and amended fiscal proposals that should incentivise the right type of development and purchase of property. This includes the removal of fiscal incentives that incentivise the demolition of traditional vernacular properties to make way for new blocks of apartments in Gozo, while retaining the existing incentives on the sale and purchase of properties in Urban Conservation Areas subject to long-term protection of the integrity of such properties.
The Għal Għawdex stakeholders intend to engage in constructive discussions with the key decision makers on the eight-point plan to discuss policy and implementation aspects. The seven key stakeholders believe the right changes can be made to achieve a truly sustainable balance between the need to drive economic prosperity and the modernisation of Gozo’s economy while protecting and preserving the island’s heritage and long-term attractiveness.
Godfrey Swain is a member of the Għal Għawdex group representing Din L-Art Ħelwa Għawdex and is writing on behalf of all seven Għal Għawdex stakeholders.