Strategic Plan for Environment and Development.

This document lays down the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED), which was adopted by Malta following the introduction of Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning. The SPED provides the spatial framework that supports the development of an integrated maritime policy at a national level. The plan covers the marine waters up to the 25 nautical mile limit of the Fisheries Management Conservation Zone, and it does not include the administration and implementation of the provisions of the Continental Shelf Act. The SPED defines a spatial vision for the urban area, the rural area, the coastal zone and marine area and for Gozo. Four key thematic issues emerge from the document: (1) socio-economic development; (2) environment; (3) climate change; (4) travel patterns. The general objective for the national spatial framework is to ensure the sustainable use of land and sea resources. The Government will adopt the following sequential approach to the use of land: (a) firstly, the reuse of existing developed land and buildings; (b) secondly, redevelopment of existing developed land and buildings; (c) finally, where no other feasible alternatives exist, use of vacant land. Land take up in the rural area should be the last resort.The SPED aims at making agriculture (among other activities) more productive and sustainable. The first thematic objective relating to socio-economic development is to manage the available potential space and environmental resources on land (and sea) sustainably to ensure that socio-economic development needs are met whilst protecting the environment and limiting land take up within rural areas.Reduction of rural poverty is envisaged in relation to the vision defined for rural area. According to this vision, rural area shall sustain the livelihood of farming communities through modernization of agricultural practices and diversification of compatible rural activities. Vulnerable groups are taken into consideration under the thematic objective n. 3 on socio-economic development.The SPED aims at enabling more inclusive and efficient agricultural systems. These are the main objectives concerning rural areas: (1) to facilitate sustainable rural development and the diversification of activities in order to sustain agriculture and safeguard its distinctiveness; (2) to protect and enhance the positive qualities of the landscapeand the traditional components of the rural landscape; (3) to rehabilitate, upgrade and regenerate deteriorating natural environments on the basis of their type and location.As mentioned, climate change is among the cross-cutting key issues of the SPED. Thematic objective n. 9 is to control greenhouse gas emissions and enhance Malta’s capacity to adapt to climate change.

Implements: Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning. (2014-07-23)