Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050

MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2 Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 environment.gov.mt 2 Foreword Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 is ambitious in both scope and intent. It sets out a long-term framework for advancing sustainable development in Malta whilst taking into consideration past shortcomings and achievements. The focus is on identifying existing gaps where further development is required and setting out realistic goals to address these challenges. It also takes into account developments at international and EU level. Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Economic growth, environmental protection and social cohesion must move forward in a mutually reinforcing manner. Our Vision therefore provides a platform for an integrated approach to development across all sectors to ensure a consistent, well-coordinated and multi-stakeholder approach towards its realisation. 3 Decoupling economic and social Achieving such a Vision will require development from all environmental the support and engagement of pressures and consumption of all sectors of society. Ultimately, resources is a continuous challenge in sustainable development is everyone’s Malta as in many countries. It requires responsibility, be it Government at its a paradigm shift in our approach to various levels, private sector and civil future development. society in its many components. The business-as-usual approach is This Vision therefore provides a solid no longer desirable. We require new foundation for collective action to approaches and the reallocation meet this challenge and achieve of public and private investment, strong and sustainable development particularly in terms of innovation, by 2050. research and development in those areas where we need to improve most. Hon. José Herrera We need to shift towards a green and inclusive economy, achieving Minister for the Environment, Sustainable equilibrium between environmental Development and Climate Change protection and economic development, whilst also ensuring that future development is socially sustainable. Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 is grounded on these principles and is designed to lead us on this desired development path. Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Table of contents Foreword 3 Thinking about the future today 6 Malta’s Development Baselines 8 Sustainable Development Governance 10 The UN and the 2030 Agenda 11 EU’s Sustainable Development Governance Architecture 13 Malta’s Sustainable Development Framework 14 Our Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 15 Our Sustainable Future Themes and Principles for 2050 16 How can we realise Our Vision? 20 Enhancing Economic Growth 22 Circular Consumption and Production Patterns 23 Waste Prevention and Management 23 5 Responsible and Reuse of Resources 24 Green Public Procurement 24 Low-carbon Economy 25 Sustainable Mobility 26 Transition towards a Digital Economy 28 High-skilled and high value-added jobs 29 Investments in research and innovation 29 Safeguarding Our Environment 30 Transition towards Low-carbon Energy 31 Sustainable Buildings and Urban Development 32 Protecting, conserving and enhancing natural capital 33 Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity 33 Soil Protection 35 Water Quality and Management 35 Social Cohesion and Wellbeing 40 Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 41 Fair and Inclusive Labour Market 42 High Quality Education and Training 43 Good health and Wellbeing 44 Building Safe and Integrated Communities 46 Financing Our Vision for 2050 47 Public Participation 48 Next Steps 49

Thinking about the future today Socio-economic and environmental conditions at home, across Europe and around the world have changed dramatically. We are experiencing demographic shifts, growing pressures on ecosystems, and increasing competition for global resources and economic development. Malta’s future development will strongly be dependent on its ability to respond and adapt to these global long-term trends and challenges. Identifying new development paradigms which take into account our planet’s capacities is thus essential. This requires in turn a set of coherent and effective polices, going beyond economic growth, also addressing social and ecological issues, thus restoring a sustainable, balanced and inclusive development. 6 Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Today, the world’s population continues to grow, albeit more slowly than in the recent past. The world’s population is projected to increase by slightly more than one billion people over the next years, reaching 8.6 billion in 2030, and to increase further to 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100.1 Older persons are increasing in As economic and population All these factors raise questions about number and making up a growing growth increase the levels of global the future of education, employment, share of the population in virtually consumption, many countries face the response to demographic changes every country, with implications for growing shortages of vital renewable and climate change, social equality nearly all sectors of society, including resources such as freshwater, cropland, and justice. labour and financial markets, the rangeland, forests, fisheries and other demand for goods and services such wildlife. Depletion of renewable Malta’s Sustainable Development as housing, transportation and social natural resources, combined with Vision for 2050 therefore sets out protection, as well as family structures environmental degradation and our aspirations and priorities for and inter-generational ties.2 The climate change, pose fundamental future sustainable development. This number of older persons in the world threats to human security. Separately roadmap is to be followed in decision- 7 is projected to be 1.4 billion in 2030 or in combination with other factors, making and in drawing-up national and 2.1 billion in 2050, and could rise to they can destabilise livelihoods, policies and programmes. 3.1 billion in 2100.3 negatively affect ecosystems and undermine peace and development. Global economic growth increased to 3.6 % in 2017 from 3.2 % in 2016. Migration is another response to The recovery was mainly driven by resource-scarcity and to the conflict 1 United Nations, Department of Economic and expansions in developing, emerging that results from such scarcity. Global Social Affairs, Population Division (2017). World and developed countries alike. Future migration is at record levels and likely Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision, Key Findings and Advance Tables. Working Paper growth is likely to stay below 4 %, as to increase further as population No. ESA/P/WP/248, available at: https://esa. economic activity normalises in most growth, increased exploitation and un.org/unpd/wpp/publications/Files/WPP2017_ major economies without significant climate change increase pressure on KeyFindings.pdf

stimulus and fixed investment remains resources. Increasing unemployment 2 United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2017). World at a moderate level. in poorer countries will lead growing Population Ageing 2017 – Highlights, available numbers to seek a better life abroad. at: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/ population/publications/pdf/ageing/WPA2017_ In many places around the world, Highlights.pdf this economic growth has fuelled On the one hand, Migration can 3 United Nations, Department of Economic and reductions in poverty levels, yet more bring benefits to both individuals and Social Affairs, Population Division (2017). World than 600 million people are still living countries. The individual can gain new Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision, Key Findings and Advance Tables. Working Paper in extreme poverty4. Income inequality opportunities and the country of origin No. ESA/P/WP/248, available at: https://esa. within and among many countries has receives remittances. Likewise, the un.org/unpd/wpp/publications/Files/WPP2017_ been rising. Global unemployment country of destination obtains skills KeyFindings.pdf remains elevated at more than 190 and labour. On the other hand, large- 4 World Poverty Clock, available at: https:// worldpoverty.io/ million. At the same time, vulnerable scale and persistent net immigration 5 World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends employment remains pervasive and can result in an imbalance between 2018, available at: is likely to increase in the years to demand for consumption and http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/- come with the number of people in sustainable resources. These flows of --dgreports/---dcomm/---publ/documents/ publication/wcms_615594.pdf vulnerable employment projected to people represent a humanitarian crisis 6 http://www.un.org/en/events/ increase by 17 million per year in 2018 and put pressure on the sustainability environmentconflictday/pdf/GN_Renewable_ and 2019.5 of destination countries.6 Consultation.pdf Malta’s development baselines The European Commission notes the public authorities to build an R&D that growth has been mainly export system based on indigenous strengths, driven. Net exports accounted for involving several policy measures about half the increase in real GDP to support the emergence of an since 2012, in particular of services. innovation ecosystem and innovative Exports of services have been firms. Structural factors continue to boosted predominantly by the hamper the growth of R&D-intensive Malta’s economic activities of the gaming industry, firms and thus the development of a also supported by sizeable gains in thriving innovation ecosystem. Firms performance has been tourism and transport sectors. have limited capacity to scale up their outstanding in recent R&D activities, due to their small size, years.7 According to the Inflation has stabilised at relatively low reliance on internal funding for R&D International Monetary levels. Following a period of volatility in expenditure and the limited size of the the past, Malta has shown the lowest local market. Fund, Malta remains one volatility in its Harmonised Index of the strongest in Europe, of Consumer Prices (HICP) inflation Labour market conditions continue to owing to favourable among the euro-area members since be favourable. Employment growth 8 economic conditions and early 2014.8 is among the highest in the EU, in particular due to the services sector. sound policies, which The competitiveness of the Maltese The unemployment rate has dropped advanced structural economy has improved throughout and youth unemployment remains also reforms and supported the past years, and have positively much below EU average. Substantial the strengthening of added to Malta’s economic growth progress has been made on policies and its ability to attract foreign to improve the work-life balance and private and public investment. Malta ranked 37th out of “make work pay” which has helped to balance sheets. 137 countries in the 2017-18 Global lower the gender employment gap, Competitiveness Report, 3 places although it remains substantial. The higher than the previous reporting participation of people with disabilities period. Bureaucracy, insufficient in the labour market also remains low. capacity to innovate, inadequate supply of infrastructure and access Despite improvement in recent to finance are reported in the Global years, the early school leaving (ESL) Competitiveness Report as the main rate continues to be a challenge. barriers for doing business in Malta.9 The tertiary educational attainment rate is rising steadily. Measures have According to the European been undertaken to improve skills 7 European Commission Staff Working Commission, the SMEs sector has governance and participation in adult Document, Country Report Malta 2018, available at: shown a considerable dynamism learning. Despite these efforts skill https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/ in recent years. Growth in terms of levels appear low, as it may take time files/2018-european-semester-country- before achievements can be seen. number of persons employed and report-malta-en.pdf value added has been above EU These shortages are being filled with 8 lbid. average and only a minority of firms foreign labour across all skills levels. 9 The Global Competitiveness Report 2017- 2018, available at: http://www3.weforum. appear to be financially constrained. org/docs/GCR2017-2018/05FullReport Poverty levels, as defined by the TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2017 Malta’s Research and Development EU, have declined in recent years %E2%80%932018.pdf (R&D) performance has improved. The and stood below the EU average. 10 National Transport Strategy 2050, available at: http://www.transport.gov.mt/ improvement in the R&D performance Income inequalities remain below transport-strategies/national-transport is partly due to sustained efforts by the EU average. The most vulnerable

Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 are those persons who are inactive, to primary care, and in access to programmes to incentivise energy unemployed, retired, or single innovative medicines. performance improvements in (especially those with children). buildings, through grant schemes or Among the foreign workforce, non- The robust economic growth soft loans for energy saving solutions. EU migrants tend to be at higher risk together with favourable labour These solutions included energy- of poverty when compared to EU market conditions as well as the efficient appliances, energy-saving workers. Children and elders also tend rising numbers of foreigners further lighting systems, thermal insulation, to be more vulnerable than working exacerbate existing bottlenecks, double-glazing, solar heating, building age adults. including in infrastructure, and put management systems, photovoltaic further pressure on environmental panels, solar water heaters and wind In recent years, Government has resources and climate policies. energy resources. introduced a number of measures aimed at tackling this social blight. As an EU Member State, Malta Measures have been taken to improve These include increases in pensions operates within one of the most well road infrastructure and reduce traffic and allowances for the elderly, such as developed environmental legal and congestion. In 2016, the Government those living in their own residence or policy frameworks in the world. Over adopted a National Transport Strategy for those caring for them. Furthermore, the past years, there have been a with a 2050 horizon and an Operational there were measures aimed to number of initiatives in order to reduce Transport Master Plan to 2025.10 encourage the participation in the pressures on the environment and 9 labour force, such as in-work benefit combat climate change, this includes In recent years Malta has made schemes, increases in rent subsidies ongoing legislative strengthening, improvements in the waste for people in need and schemes investment in infrastructure, monitoring, management field, notably in terms promoting an increase in the supply of institutional capacity building and of upgrading waste infrastructure, social housing. upgrading/restoration projects across the setting up of waste separation all sectors of development. and recycling systems, as well as Indicators on health outcomes have educational programmes; including improved and waiting times are During the past three years Malta has educational programmes in schools. being reduced. The performance of embarked upon a wholesome reform Despite these significant investments, the health system has improved, as of the energy sector. This has resulted waste minimisation and the transition evidenced by high life expectancy, in improved policymaking, more to a low-carbon circular economy amenable and preventable mortality focused economic and environmental remain a challenge. rates below the EU average and regulation as well as a reformed generally low levels of unmet need. operational landscape. Substantial Malta has, to date, suffered from Access to innovative medicines, mainly progress has been made in recent significant water stress. Water scarcity for cancer treatment, was improved years in diversifying the energy mix. is a major problem and may be by introducing clinical pathways and Significant efforts have been targeted exacerbated by climate change. For innovative procurement strategies. at upgrading the energy infrastructure, decades, Malta has relied significantly In addition, waiting times for surgical including switching electricity on desalination technology in order interventions and diagnostics are production from oil to natural gas. to augment its freshwater supplies. being tackled thanks to an increased Important measures in this area include Government’s investment in polishing capacity and commissioning of some the gasification of the Maltese power plants to further improve the quality of services from the private sector. plants and the completion of the treated sewage effluent will secure a Nevertheless, some risk factors may electricity interconnector with Italy. considerable addition to Malta’s water have a negative impact on fiscal Nevertheless, progress is still limited as resource budget. Termed New Water, sustainability in the future. In particular, regards improving energy efficiency, this resource serves as a platform to rising obesity levels pose a significant increasing energy production from replace non-potable uses of water challenge to public health. Challenges renewable sources and reducing particularly in industry and agriculture. remain in the redistribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. resources and activities from hospital Government also introduced several

Sustainable development governance Sustainable development is about pursuing development strategies and measures that are viable in the long-term by balancing economic, environmental and social needs. Prominently defined in the Brundtland Report of 1987, sustainable development is still mainly referred to as 10 “ Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The UN and Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 the 2030 agenda In designing the development path to silos between different Ministries governance level will be highly a better life for all inhabitants of Malta, and Departments. How this will be important for framing and carrying we are aware of our responsibilities operationalised will depend on how out approaches and policies that in the global context. The Sustainable Member States decide to take up the promote the SDGs. Thus, national Development Vison therefore takes recommendations and aspirations of sustainable development strategies into account the global development the document in their national policies and policies will play a central role in plan set out in the UN 2030 Sustainable and institutional reforms. This is specified the implementation process. Development Agenda (2030 Agenda). in paragraph 55, which states that: The document makes specific The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable reference to the efforts for “ Development Goals (SDGs) that were implementation and follow-up at the adopted by the UN in September 2015 global, regional and national level. represent a unique achievement for The Sustainable Development Greater cooperation on the regional the international community. It reflects Goals and targets are level could be a substantial element of 11 an ambitious and transformative implementing the SDGs globally. integrated and indivisible, framework that has the potential to steer global development onto a path global in nature and universally where human welfare and human applicable, taking into account rights, economic prosperity and different national realities, stable societies can be secured in an capacities and levels of environmentally sustainable manner, while extreme poverty is eradicated.11 development and respecting national policies and priorities. The 2030 Agenda contains 17 SDGs. Targets are defined as While taking a long-term view (until aspirational and global, with 2030), the SDGs have clear targets to be achieved by 2030. These goals and each Government setting its their corresponding targets give the own national targets guided impetus for urgent action. by the global level of ambition but taking into account The adopted Outcome Document “Transforming our world: the 2030 national circumstances. Each agenda for sustainable development” Government will also decide acknowledges that there are “deep how these aspirational and interconnections and many crosscutting global targets should be elements across the new Goals and targets” (paragraph17) that have to incorporated into national be addressed through an integrated planning processes, policies approach. This cross-cutting nature and strategies.” 11 Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda of the SDGs itself highlights the need for Sustainable Development, https:// sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/ to exploit synergies and overcome This strongly suggests that the national transformingourworld

12 Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 EU’s Sustainable Development governance architecture Two major EU strategies relating to sustainable development are the revised EU Sustainable Development Strategy12 and the Europe 2020 Strategy – the EU’s agenda for growth and jobs for the current decade13. 13 In November 2016, the European In June 2017, the Council adopted Commission (EC) presented its conclusions on ‘A sustainable response to the 2030 Agenda and European future: The EU response adopted a Sustainable Development to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Package containing: Development’17. These Council Conclusions set out the EU’s response • An overarching Communication to the 2030 Agenda and its approach on ‘Next steps for a sustainable to how it is being implemented at European future: European action EU level. They cover the next steps, for sustainability’14 delineating the means and resources required, 12 Commission Communication ‘Mainstreaming sustainable development into EU policies: 2009 EU’s response to the Agenda how multilateral stakeholders can Review of the European Union Strategy for 2030. The Communication was be involved, and measures on future Sustainable Development’, available at: https:// eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri accompanied by a Staff Working monitoring and review. =COM:2009:0400:FIN:en:PDF Document15, which outlines key 13 EUROPE 2020 A strategy for smart, sustainable European actions and policies in In 2017, a reference EU SDG indicator and inclusive growth, available at: https:// relation to the 17 SDGs. set was developed by Eurostat to eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/ PDF/?uri=CELEX:52010DC2020&from=EN monitor progress regarding the SDGs • COM(2016) 739 available at: https:// 14 A proposal for a revision of in an EU context. The EU SDG indicator ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/ the European Consensus on set is comprised of 100 indicators, communication-next-steps-sustainable- Development, which aims to which are evenly distributed across europe-20161122_en.pdf update the EU’s development the 17 SDGs, so that progress in 15 SWD (2016) 390 available at: https:// ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/ response to current global each SDG is measured by five or six swd-key-european-actions-2030-agenda- challenges and promote the indicators primarily attributed to them. sdgs-390-20161122_en.pdf Agenda 2030 implementation 16 JOIN (2016) 52 available at: https://ec.europa. in partnership with developing eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/joint- communication-renewed-partnership- countries. acp-20161122_en.pdf 17 Available at, http://data.consilium.europa.eu/ • A post-Cotonou framework on the doc/document/ST-10138-2017-INIT/en/pdf future relations with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.16

Malta’s sustainable development framework For the Maltese the development and implementation development, the Guardian is Government, the of Malta’s Sustainable Development empowered to request any 14 promotion of Strategy and to revise the said Government Entity to provide data sustainable Strategy in line with national, EU and or information or to collect data or international developments. information about any topic that development is a could have a bearing on sustainable fundamental goal The same Act stipulates other bodies development. The Guardian can and yardstick of along with their respective roles also propose goals and actions to Government’s action. and responsibilities. The Permanent Government Entities for them to take Secretary within each Ministry shall up in order to contribute towards the be the Sustainable Development goal of sustainable development. Malta is one of the few countries Coordinator in respect of such Ministry. having a specific Sustainable Every Department of Government, The Act also provides for the Development framework model in Agency or Entity shall have a Sustainable Development Network place which is underpinned by the Sustainable Development Focal Point. aimed at promoting sustainable Sustainable Development Act (Chapter The Sustainable Development Focal development in Malta. The Network 521)18. This legislative framework Point shall assist the Sustainable brings together representatives from mandates Government to “mainstream Development Coordinator in NGOs, Government and the private Sustainable Development across the developing the Ministry’s position sector to work together toward more workings of Government, to raise in respect of any request by the sustainable economic, environmental awareness of sustainable development Competent Authority. and social solutions. issues and practices across society”. The Guardian of Future Generations The Sustainable Development has the role of safeguarding inter- Directorate within the Ministry for the generational and intra-generational Environment, Sustainable Development sustainable development in Malta. The and Climate Change (MESDC) is the Guardian has the mandate to promote Competent Authority responsible for sustainable development advocacy the implementation of the Sustainable across national policymaking, Development Act. Amongst other legislation and practices. In order 18 Available at, https://msdec.gov.mt/en/ responsibilities, the Sustainable to ensure that Government Entities sustainabledevelopment/Documents/ Development Directorate is to ensure are contributing towards sustainable SD%20Act.pdf Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Our sustainable development vision for 2050 A new Sustainable Development Strategy for the Maltese Islands for 2050 is one of the priorities of the Maltese Government. In formulating a clear direction for the long-term development of the Maltese Islands, a Vision that defines our strategic focus and outlines the image of Malta that we all want to see in the future is a key and fundamental step. 15

The decision to draft a new long-term national Sustainable Development Strategy was influenced not only by the changing conditions but also by LONG-TERM Sustainable development calls for the fact that Malta’s existing strategic long-term action to pursue intra- and development framework, which was intergenerational equality set out in the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Maltese Islands 2007- 2016, has expired. INTEGRATION Sustainable development calls for coordination and integration of economic, social and environmental Malta’s Sustainable Development polices across and between different Vision for 2050 is set to become our levels of Governance main guiding principle for developing policies, and when planning and implementing projects. The Vision PARTICIPATION Sustainable development calls for the incorporation of stakeholders into the itself answers the question of why we decision-making process need to think about the future today. It motivates us to face the challenges of the modern world and helps us REFLEXIVITY Sustainable development calls achieve common objectives, while for reflexive processes based on continuous reflection and policy also giving meaning to our actions. learning cycles This Vision is designed on the following key normative governance principles for steering sustainable development19: 19 Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the EU and national level, available at: https://www.sd-network.eu/ pdf/conferences/2015_luxembourg/ESDN%20 Conference%202015_Discussion%20Paper_final.pdf Our sustainable future themes and principles for 2050 Theme Principles SDGs Enhancing Circular Consumption and Economic Production Patterns 16 Growth Enhancing Transition towards Economic a low-carbon Growth emission economy Enhancing Economic Sustainable Mobility Growth Enhancing Transition towards Economic a digital economy Growth Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Theme Principles SDGs Enhancing Creation of more high-skilled Economic and high value-added jobs Growth Enhancing Increased investments in Economic research and innovation Growth Safeguarding Transition towards Our Low-carbon Energy Environment 17 Safeguarding Sustainable Buildings Our and Urban Development Environment

Safeguarding Protecting, conserving and Our enhancing natural capital Environment Social Cohesion Combating Poverty and Wellbeing and Social Exclusion Theme Principles SDGs Social Cohesion Fair and Inclusive and Wellbeing Labour Market Social Cohesion High Quality 18 and Wellbeing Education and Training Social Cohesion Good health and Wellbeing and Wellbeing Social Cohesion Building Safe and and Wellbeing Integrated Communities Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 19 “ Our common future How can we realise our vision? Ministries NGOs Government Entities Private Sector Constituted Bodies and Departments Community Organisations Civil Society Local Councils General Public Academia 20 Consultations VISION 2050 - What do we want to achieve for the future development of the Maltese Islands How we are going to realise our Vision - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Strategic Goals for Sustainable Development STRATEGY ACTION PLAN - Actions that will take place: • Policies • Reforms • Projects • Initiatives Who will carry out these actions By when they will take place, and for how long What resources are needed to carry out these actions Whilst ensuring sustainable development is everyone’s concern, Government has Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 primary responsibility to realise Malta’s Vision. Strong and effective governance arrangements are a key element to ensure successful implementation given the extensive and cross-cutting nature of sustainable development. High Level Political Commitment Clear assignments of responsibilities across Government To implement and achieve a more prosperous, secure, Inter-Ministerial Coordinaiton sustainable and fairer future for the Maltese citizens, necessitates: Local Councils’ Engagement Stakeholders’ Engagement Public Engagement and Awareness

21 MESDC has overall responsibility for local communities on the sustainable done through public and sectoral promoting sustainable development, development process and how it can consultations as well as through and for overseeing its coherent improve their quality of life and the existing stakeholder engagement implementation across Government. wider environment. mechanisms. However, ownership by the various Ministries is essential in order to be Sustainable development is not The Government is also committed truly holistic and effective. only confined to the workings of to continue supporting organisations Government but calls for consensus to make their own contributions in The mainstreaming of sustainable from diverse sectors of the Maltese achieving the Goals of the Vision. development principles within society, including civil society and Government’s policies, plans, the private sector. The integrated and Raising public awareness is one of programmes and projects is wide-ranging nature of sustainable the strategic priorities of this Vision. paramount in ensuring coherence. By development concepts means that Increased public awareness will adopting a sustainable development they are relevant to everyone. encourage more individuals and mind-set in the workings of organisations to get involved in Government, we can ensure that all The basic starting point in the drafting helping to achieve the Goals. Entities and Departments are working of key development documents is in unison and towards a single goal. to ensure that the process is open Fostering these key principles will and inclusive as possible, and that the ensure sound and solid foundations Local Councils also have a crucial vision of the future of Malta reflects the on which sustainable development role to play in translating national vision of its citizens. actions can be mainstreamed across polices into tangible practical all forms of development. It is in this actions that can help to concretise The Maltese Government is therefore manner that we will make a difference the sustainable development committed to provide opportunities for ourselves and bequeath to future objectives into our individual and for meaningful participation and work generation a country which is in better communities’ behaviours. They can in partnership with key stakeholders shape than that we inherited. also raise awareness amongst the on sector-specific issues. This will be Enhancing economic growth Malta’s future economic growth depends on the transition towards an economic model, inspired by the principles of circular, green and blue economy, stimulated by a high level of competitiveness and innovativeness. The new development paradigm will reduce the negative impacts on the environment by closing the loop between consumption and production, reduce the consumption of raw materials and disposal of waste, enhance human development and achieve a high level of social inclusion. 22 Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 This will enable the maximisation of sustainable development in its three Sustainable consumption and production models in order dimensions – economic, social and to achieve a circular economy environmental – in a balanced and integrated manner. The transition towards a low-carbon emission economy

The sustainability of finance is crucial Sustainable mobility for achieving our ambitious goals for economic growth and prosperity. The transition towards a digital economy The private sector requires both access to various sources of funding The creation of high-skilled and high value-added jobs and a supportive institutional environment. This economic model will be achieved through: Increased investments in research and innovation Circular consumption and production patterns 23 Malta’s future development Waste Prevention This needs to be complemented path will be geared and Management by on the ground measures that towards closing the loop create the market for these products. Increasingly, fiscal policy will seek to between consumption and By 2050 Government envisages a reward those moving in this direction production cycles radical transformation in the way such that they may have the market through waste prevention waste is generated and managed. advantage.22 and management as Government sees itself as a catalyst of such a transition however economic At the same time, the industry needs well as the responsible actors – businesses and consumers to move to an enhanced stage of use and reuse of resources. – are expected to be the driving symbiosis where business-to-business force behind this transition towards approaches also embrace the cycling of New consumption and production circularity.20 waste generated from one economic models based on the principles activity into the resource of another. of circularity address not only the Our outlook to production has to negative impacts of the linear change to one which is characterised economy but lay the bases to by improved design concepts that reinforce the link between the three make products more durable or easier sustainable development pillars. It to repair, upgradable or facilitating 20 Malta’s Low Carbon Development Strategy: represents a systemic shift that builds remanufacture. This approach Our Vision, available at: https://meae.gov.mt/ long-term resilience, generates can help recyclers to disassemble en/Public_Consultations/MSDEC/Documents/ MSDEC%20LCDS%20Vision.PDF business and economic opportunities, products in order to recover valuable and provides environmental and materials and components to save 21 lbid. societal benefits. precious resources.21 22 lbid. Long-term recycling targets for Destined to reduce the amount of progressively developing provisions to municipal and packaging wastes are waste going to landfill, these targets promote the greater use of economic already on our horizon through the can only become more ambitious instruments to drive this Vision including new targets underpinning the new particularly in the case of Malta with its the valorisation of the role for extended Waste Package adopted at EU level. limited land area. Government will be producer responsibility schemes.23

Responsible and reuse of resources Sustainable use of earth’s natural patterns. This will be done through Manufacturers, retailers and service resources is vital for peace and the promotion of reusing and providers should help consumers to prosperity for all humanity. The world’s recycling of resources used in earlier shift towards the most sustainable population along with the number of products and the use of a closed- products and services, through better resources consumed have gradually loop system. product design and labelling, replacing increased along the years and it is physical products with services and expected to continue in the future. Our aspiration is that both consumers other innovative approaches. This Consequently, nature’s carrying and businesses will gradually Vision, foresees that products and capacity for further development is reduce their ecological footprints. services put on the market deliver being stretched to a point where it has This requires a change in human more value to their consumers and been exceeded and cannot sustain the consumption behaviour and lifestyle. consumers will be more aware, better 24 humanity and other species’ wellbeing Hence, education and awareness informed, and enabled to make more anymore. In order to safeguard raising campaigns together with sustainable choices. both current and future generations’ community involvement and sharing wellbeing we must change our of best practices shall be strongly Government shall strive to provide behaviours and actions in order to promoted. Government will make it as support to investors, through building preserve the natural environment and easy and cost-effectively as possible the necessary frameworks and its natural regeneration. for consumers to make consumption providing support to investments choices that conserve natural which can enable new and innovative By 2050 Government envisages a resources in everyday life. sustainable businesses. This together reduction in the consumption of with other incentives will provide natural resources to sustainable and the necessary framework to support fair levels. In order to achieve this By 2050, products and consumers’ switch to more sustainable objective, Government will lay the services should be delivered life choices. framework conditions to gradually to customers and reduce the input of new resources in consumption and production consumers in a smarter way. Green Public Procurement Public authorities are major reduced environmental impact, public make procurement, more dynamic consumers of goods and services authorities can make an important by introducing sustainable, strategic, thus have a pivotal role in stimulating contribution towards local, national innovative and circular public the business community towards and international sustainability goals. procurement practices. favouring the provision of more resource-efficient, less polluting Green Public Procurement can goods, services and works. By using therefore be a key driver of their purchasing power to choose the green economy in Malta. goods, services and works with a Government’s Vision for 2050 is to 23 lbid.

Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Low-carbon economy The transition to a Businesses take advantage of 1990 levels by 2050. Such cuts will be favourable economic policy towards progressive with interim reduction low-carbon economy low-carbon investment, which in turn targets of 40% and 60% by 2030 and is central to our shores up the competitiveness of 2040 respectively. future economic the country and contributes to lower development model. emissions and hence improved air This will not be possible without quality and health benefits.24 fundamental changes in consumption A low-carbon economy and production patterns and improved can be a win-win Malta’s Vision is to align itself with utilisation of resources which are situation for all those the pace EU intends to take. The already integrated into modus concerned. European economy is foreseen to operandi by other sectors not least, make drastic cuts in emissions which energy, transport, buildings, industry will see a reduction of up to 80% from and agriculture. 25 A reliable, sustainable and competitive supply of In terms of emissions, the agriculture sector energy is crucial for development. Our vision for accounts for a very small share of national GHG 2050 is one where energy efficiency is permeated emissions arising from enteric fermentation and across all levels of society and renewable energy manure management. By 2050, Government will to power our needs is used in lieu of fossil fuels. strive to create agricultural parks which would be Access to energy efficient products and services served by modern infrastructure that will allow need to become the norm for all strata of society. better management of manure. Support will also be afforded to niche agricultural products that have Our development also needs to upscale itself to a low carbon footprint. ensure that architecture and civil engineering is complemented by energy efficient solutions to our Tourism is envisaged to remain a major contributor buildings. to the Maltese economy in the future. Tourism accommodation and operations need to adopt the Industry policy should be increasingly guided highest standards of sustainability and efficiency. towards attracting foreign investment of a low- Our vision is that all tourism accommodation, carbon nature whilst migrating established new or refurbished, will not only meet current enterprises to more low carbon alternatives. eco-certification criteria but will also demonstrate further ambition to shore up their own as well as Transport is a major source of GHG emissions. It is the sector’s resilience to climate change. responsible for 21.1% of GHG emissions generated in Malta. Government’s Vision for 2050 is underpinned by a commitment ‘to provide a sustainable transport system which is efficient, inclusive, safe, integrated and reliable for people and freight, and 24 lbid. which supports attractive urban, rural and coastal 25 National Transport Strategy 2050, available at: environments and communities where people want http://www.transport.gov.mt/transport-strategies/ to live and work: now and in the future’.25 national-transport

Sustainable mobility The road transport sector The transport network and services It is estimated that with no change to faces major infrastructure are key to ensure the accessibility the current transport policy and no of a territory. With Malta being an additional transport measures being and sustainability challenges. archipelago of islands, a complete implemented, congestion will cost Severe traffic congestion road network is not enough to the economy over €1.28 billion per constitutes a barrier to provide acceptable levels of year in 2050, equating to a loss of investment, and generates accessibility. Ferry connections are 8.2% of Malta’s GDP.28 vital to communicate the different significant external costs and islands, and space restrictions Minimising transport impacts requires GHG emissions (also given the necessitate the efficient prioritisation a holistic approach revolving around expected increasing demand of public transport services, which the three pillars of sustainability. For for transport).26 are able to move larger numbers of 2050 Government aspires to29: travellers without causing congestion on the road network.27 26 26 National Transport Strategy 2050, available at: http://www.transport.gov.mt/transport- strategies/national-transport 27 Commission Staff Working Document - Country Report Malta 2018, available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/ files/2018-european-semester-country- report-malta-en.pdf 28 National Transport Strategy 2050, available at: http://www.transport.gov.mt/transport- strategies/national-transport 29 lbid. Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Support Economic Promote Environmental Development by: and Urban Sustainability by: • reducing congestion and the removal of traffic • reducing and mitigating GHG emissions; bottlenecks; • ensuring efficient and sustainable use and • improving reliability and efficiency to allow for management of resources; better journey planning; • ensuring adaptation to climate change; • strengthening transport links and connectivity, nationally (within and between the Islands) and • minimising the impact of transport to enhance internationally, to increase access to markets; landscapes and townscapes; • reducing operational costs and improve • preserving natural habitats and biodiversity seamless interconnectivity; • respecting historical and heritage resources. • improving the experience and ease of access for non-regular users with a view to contribute towards supporting the tourism product. Provide Accessibility Improved Public and Mobility through: 27 Health through: • easy access to daily facilities; • a clean and pleasant public realm; • convenient and reliable journey times; • active lifestyles; • equitable and sustainable approach to all • reduced pollution (air, noise and light). transport modes; • managing freight and urban logistics.

Support Social Development Remain Safe and Inclusion by: and Secure through: • ensuring that travel options and journey quality • resilient critical infrastructure; are suitable for all user groups; • an extended lifetime of high quality • ensuring affordability for targeted social groups; infrastructure; • increasing societal awareness on the need for • a reduction in injuries and loss of life from sustainable travel choices; transport related accidents; • reducing severance and adverse impacts on • rapid response to emergencies and accidents; specific communities; • protection against crime and terrorism. • integrating isolated communities. Transition towards a digital Economy ICT can be seen as the catalyst to achieve combined economic growth, social development and environment protection. By recognising this, Government’s aspiration is to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. This will be done through30: Improving the wellbeing of citizens Enhance the delivery of Government • Digital services will be affordable, secure and • The public service will be closer to civil society accessible to all regardless of skills and economic and enterprises, improving the Government’s 28 means. decision-making processes. • Local digital content will be encouraged. • Open Government and eDemocracy will be facilitated. Transforming the way business operate Protecting the Environment Business will be encouraged and supported to ICT can play a determining role in reducing the exploit: energy intensity of the economy thereby increasing its efficiency by reducing emissions and contributing • The opportunities of the European Digital Single to sustainable growth. Government aspires to see Market; increased ICT permeation in the following areas: • Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean, with ready access to the European and North • smart energy grids; African markets; • systems for energy efficiency; • Government’s strategic alliances with foreign ICT organisations; • efficient water resources management; • Opportunities to expand into new or bigger • energy-positive urban and public areas; markets. • energy efficient mobility; and • smart logistics. 30 Sources: Digital Malta 2014-2020 and Malta’s Low Carbon Development Strategy: Our Vision High-skilled and Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 high value-added jobs The technological development and and minimise or altogether avoid digitalisation of society are causing generation of all forms of waste and various traditional professions to pollution.31 A high quality disappear, and at the same time are workforce is required introducing new professions and atypical Education and training systems need forms of work and opportunities. to respond rapidly. In so doing, to attract high-value Government will ensure that by added activities and Moving towards a greener economy 2050 all individuals seeking to up- consequently drive will also drive the creation of green skill would have access to courses higher economic growth jobs. Specifically, but not exclusively, which are tailored to meet emerging this includes jobs that help to industry needs. Opportunities for and standards of living. protect ecosystems and biodiversity; continuous professional development reduce energy, materials, and water for employees are essential to ensure 29 consumption through high-efficiency that emerging skills requirements or strategies; decarbonise the economy; shortages are met swiftly.32

Investments in research and innovation Future value creation, competitiveness base, and meets the needs of society easily accessible to encourage greater and the effective utilisation of national including improving the quality of engagement in research and innovation resources will be dependent on a our public services; protecting the by both Maltese and foreign owned high-quality research that promotes environment, our natural resources and enterprises, including SMEs and large- more sustainable solutions in trade and the climate; and ensuring food security scale enterprises. industry and society at large. and sustainability of energy supply. Government will continue to Key to delivering our Vision is a ensure that research is supported commitment to increasing public 31 Greening our Economy - Achieving Sustainable in strategically important areas that and private investment in research. Future, available at: https://www.gov.mt/en/ have impact for the economy and for Government will further simplify Government/Press%20Releases/Documents/ pr152171a.pdf society. This includes research that and streamline support and funding has direct relevance for the enterprise opportunities and make them more 32 lbid. Safeguarding our environment The sustainable management, preservation and conservation of our limited land and maritime natural resources are crucial for long-term healthy living environment and food production, as well as sustainable economic activities with high value added and high-quality jobs. The integration of these objectives into sectoral policies and programmes, including the construction industry, energy, agriculture and fisheries industries and service sectors such as tourism, is therefore crucial. Our vision for 2050 is to enhance the sustainability and resilience of communities and territories through enhanced green infrastructure; protecting landscapes as well as biodiversity; and the secure and sufficient supply of low-carbon energy and water resources. This will be achieved through: Transition towards Low-carbon Energy Sustainable Buildings and Urban Development 30 Protecting, conserving and enhancing natural capital Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Transition towards low-carbon energy 31 The priority increase in energy Attracting the necessary investment in efficiency and the increased low-carbon and innovative businesses proportion of renewable energy and practices will be challenging. will allow us to reduce emissions of Therefore, Government will create GHG, which is also part of Malta’s a framework where all sectors of A reliable, sustainable commitment within the EU’s climate society can invest to make their and energy package and the Paris energy consumption more secure, and affordable supply Climate Agreement. economically viable and sustainable. of energy is crucial for development. Our The Maltese Government will continue ICT can play a determining role in vision for 2050 is one striving to achieve interconnection reducing the energy intensity of to the European gas grid, bringing to the economy thereby increasing its where energy efficiency fruition a project which the European efficiency by reducing emissions and permeates across all Commission has recognised as a contributing to sustainable growth. It is levels of society and Project of Common Interest, also a horizontal enabler which cuts across renewable energy powers analysing the possibility of marine a number of sectors and which can LNG bunkering services in Malta. dovetail in each and every sector in our needs. Access to order to deliver these efficiency gains.34 energy efficient products In support of decarbonisation through and services need to cleaner power generation, the become the norm for all Maltese Government will continue to invest in renewable energy strata of society.33 and energy efficiency projects mainly 33 Malta’s Low Carbon Development Strategy: Our Vision, available at: https://meae.gov.mt/ by further exploiting solar energy en/Public_Consultations/MSDEC/Documents/ (photovoltaic and solar water heaters), MSDEC%20LCDS%20Vision.PDF heat pumps, biofuels, and energy 34 lbid. recovery from waste.

Sustainable buildings and urban development Global and national challenges ensure there is room for both nature Our vision for infrastructure and urban including resource scarcity, climate and people will provide significant development industries for 2050 is change, land-use and rapid opportunities to contribute towards a based on the following nine pillars demographic shifts, make it more more sustainable future. presented by the World Economic critical than ever to rethink about how Forum35: the built environment can be more The industry has a key responsibility inclusive, resilient, energy-efficient, to provide essential infrastructure affordable, safe and healthy. and urban solutions that meet basic human needs, support wellbeing, the The design, construction, maintenance movement of people and ideas, and 35 Infrastructure and Urban Development Industry Vision 2050, available at: and retrofiting of buildings and deliver critical services, assets and http://www3.weforum.org/docs/IU_ the adaptation of urban space to goods. Industry_Vision_report_2018.pdf The industry will strive to form fair and understanding relationships by fostering collaborative Collaborative practices and cooperation. This includes early and alternative dispute prevention and 32 and Fair resolution as well as transformation practices with a focus on stakeholder needs and interests to jointly and effectively resolve critical issues. The industry will promote a systems-oriented, performance-based delivery of high-quality assets and services contracted in an equitable risk and profit-sharing manner, creating Performance-based increased certainty to deliver on time and on budget, and improving the productivity of the sector. The industry will be known for its talented and diverse workforce and will put the customer Human-centred experience, human needs and interests in the centre of decision-making. The industry will create value for society in consultation with all key stakeholders across the Holistic and Systemic entire built environment value chain. The industry will promote and develop digital systems and solutions that maximise economic, Smart and Connected environmental and social benefits while serving as the backbone for Internet of Things- enabled infrastructure and business models. Sustainable and The industry will lead the world in low-carbon, carbon-neutral or carbon-positive, green, Affordable resilient and affordable construction solutions. The industry will strive to protect people and assets by reducing risks and deploying systems, Safe and Secure which respond quickly and efficiently to prevent harm or value loss. The industry will propose full lifecycle optimised solutions, which are designed for affordable Long-term and flexible repurposing and recapitalisation driving long-term asset and community value.

Responsive The industry will develop responsive and responsible leaders who are committed to inclusive and responsible development, equitable growth as well as credible and ethical behaviour. Government role in • Further encourage public-private • Provide innovative financing tools, Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 sustainable buildings is partnerships models focusing including fiscal incentives and on research and experimental subsidies, that enable sustainable crucial and central. Beyond developments across the investments. providing the enabling building’s lifecycle – from its regulatory framework design to its operations stage.36 • Provide regular building audits to and strategic plans for the measure performance, identify • Establish rewards and penalties improvement opportunities, sector, Government will: to enable the sector to deliver and establish implementation sustainable infrastructure. priorities. Protecting, conserving and enhancing natural capital 33 Resources are the backbone of every economy and while the availability of natural resources in Malta is limited, the consumption rates are high. At the same time, the need to consume such limited resources is putting enormous pressure on their availability. The appropriate use of these resources has to be part of the sustainable vision both for the immediate and distant future. Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity Our Vision for biodiversity and the around 50% are fully exploited and Reversing the trends in biodiversity ecosystem services is that by 2050 fewer than 20% have the potential for loss will require a more consistent, these are protected, valued and in increased harvest.37 co-ordinated and strategic response, so far as possible restored for their driven by political commitments and intrinsic value. Continuing with business-as-usual broader stakeholder involvement at will have adverse and costly impacts global, regional and national level. According to the OECD Environmental on human wellbeing, security and Outlook to 2050, global indicators for economic growth. Without more Government’s aspiration in biodiversity all show deteriorating ambitious policies, biodiversity is this area can only be achieved trends to date. For example, the projected to decline by a further 10% 36 Malta’s Low Carbon Development Strategy: Our Vision, available at: https://meae. proportion of marine fish stocks that globally by 2050 under the OECD gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/MSDEC/ are over-exploited or depleted has Environmental Outlook Baseline Documents/MSDEC%20LCDS%20Vision.PDF increased over the past few decades. scenario. 37 OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050 - The Today, over 30% of marine fish stocks Consequences of Inaction, available at: http://www.oecd.org/env/indicators- are over-exploited or depleted, modelling-outlooks/oecd-environmental- outlook-1999155x.htm

Government’s aspirations in this area can only be achieved, if a series of essential objectives are fulfilled: • Enhancing the role of the Authority responsible for coordinating and supporting efforts related to the protection of environmental heritage. • Active co-operation between all parties involved to achieve a commitment by the whole society to the conservation of Malta’s biological diversity through its rational and hence sustainable use. • Complete the Natura 2000 designation process and put in place clearly defined conservation objectives and the necessary conservation measures for the sites and provide adequate resources for their effective management in order to maintain/ 34 restore species and habitats of community interest to a favourable conservation status across their natural range.38 • Ensure the necessary knowledge and data availability through strengthened support for the mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services, valuation and development of natural capital accounting systems.39 • Scale up private-sector engagement in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, including through innovative legal and financial mechanisms. • Mainstream and integrate biodiversity conservation and sustainable use into other policy areas (e.g. economic affairs, agriculture, fisheries, land-use and urban planning, climate change, finance and R&D) to enhance synergies and prevent trade-offs. • Encourage education, distribution of knowledge and information intended to increase society’s awareness and participation in the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity. 38 SWD(2017) 51 Commission Staff Working Document, The EU Environmental Implementation Review Country Report – Malta 39 lbid Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Soil Protection Soil is an important resource for This in turn requires long-term maintenance of soil organic life and the economy. It provides planning including, but not limited to, matter, the enhancement of soil critical ecosystem services including measures that: biodiversity, the reduction of the provision of food, habitat for soil erosion, compaction and innumerable organisms, manages • Support initiatives at the field contamination; and water retention and distribution, acts as level which contribute towards a natural store of carbon, as well as the improved soil quality thereby • Assess the impact of the correct provision of raw and building material. improving its moisture retention application of manure and ability as well as its nutrient content; other organic matter in Malta’s Soil is a finite, extremely fragile soils particularly on the level resource and increasingly degrading. • Promote the use of steam soil of nitrates in order to ensure Soil in the Maltese Islands is in general sterilisers for the sterilisation of effective implementation of the of a shallow profile and lacks organic farmland that could assist in the Nitrates Directive.41 matter, which is a basic element reduction of soil borne diseases for soil productivity.40 It therefore and nematodes; These goals can only be achieved deserves our attention. through adequate investment in • Improve knowledge on Maltese educational resources, in upskilling Government’s aspirations in this area is soils by updating available and increasing the expert pool, various to mitigate the threats to Maltese soils, statistics and data; research and development initiatives curbing deviant practices and adopt as well as the involvement of all the measures aimed at integrated soil • Incentivise processes and pertinent stakeholders. 35 conservation and management. practices on the build-up and

Water Quality and Management Sustainable water resources are vital to In a water-scarce country such as Malta, Government’s Vision in this respect is Malta’s long-term prosperity. Water is the sustainable water management is to continue with additional research necessary for drinking and it supports at the top of the Maltese Government’s and development of this type of everyday life at work, at home and at political agenda. Malta’s approach water in order to maximise its use leisure. Furthermore, many economic to water scarcity focuses on the and value for money such that, water activities, including the touristic sector, management of supply (broadening scarcity issues in Malta will be a thing as well as industry and manufacturing, water supply base) and demand of the past.42 are heavily dependent on a stable (optimising the management of water- water supply. demand) to ensure the availability of sufficient water resources to meet 40 National Agricultural Policy for the Maltese Malta has, to date, suffered from an efficient demand, whilst ensuring Islands 2018 – 2028, available at: https:// significant water stress; natural the sustainable use of groundwater meae.gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/ MSDEC/Documents/National%20 freshwater resources continue to resources. The supply of alternative Agricultural%20Policy%20for%20the%20 be insufficient to meet demand. sources of water is being invested in, Maltese%20Islands%202018%20-%202028.pdf Consequently, for decades, Malta has with additional infrastructure planned 41 lbid. relied significantly on desalination to treat and polish wastewater for 42 Malta’s Low Carbon Development Strategy: technology in order to augment its distribution as 2nd class water, better Our Vision, available at: https://meae. gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/MSDEC/ freshwater supplies. known as ‘New Water’. Documents/MSDEC%20LCDS%20Vision.PDF By 2050, it is Government’s secondary, non-potable use. During ensure the effective use of harvested vision that the appreciation this period the uptake capacity of the rainwater.46 tourism and commercial sectors of of water as a resource membrane based water treatment The rural dimension can offer its would have grown technology, and development contribution towards a more efficient exponentially and that of support schemes to attain this use of water resources. Valleys are technology would have capacity will continue in earnest.44 important geographical characteristics which serve different ecosystem developed to an extent Malta has over recent years invested services. It is therefore important that it would permit its heavily in a stormwater infrastructure to embark on integrated valley 36 affordable adoption. primarily aimed to mitigate against management approaches in order to flooding. Cognisant of the fact that, maximise the contribution that such during the next three decades, a features can provide to the ecological, Wastewater is today divisible into considerable part of our urban area hydrological and geological capital of its grey and black components. The will remain unchanged, it is worth the Maltese Islands.47 market already offers greywater looking at the potential Sustainable treatment solutions but, because of Urban Drainage Systems and Natural their cost, their relatively unknown Water Retention Systems offer for performance as well as the absence the development of a ‘greener’ of tighter standards for water use infrastructure aimed at optimising the in buildings, this resource remains upstream management of stormwater relatively untapped. Similarly, the thereby relieving the downstream longstanding provision of collection of reaches of the catchments. Urban stormwater runoff from buildings for development, particularly public local use has fallen by the wayside.43 areas, have to be seen as leading our cause, at becoming as water efficient We aspire that, by 2050, buildings as possible particularly in the light and urban areas would have become of the carbon footprint of our water both water efficient as well as water production.45 friendly. In this respect we envisage that buildings will be more sensitive to At the same time the status of existing their water use as well as to the water rainwater harvesting infrastructure resource value they can generate. To needs to be assessed with a view this effect, we view developments to determine whether they have 43 lbid. in the water sector as being heavily sufficient potential to serve identified 44 lbid. geared towards ensuring that all potential users of rainwater from such 45 lbid. runoff is collected and utilised at infrastructure and if so to undertake source together with the separation rehabilitation works and development 46 lbid.

of grey from black water for of a management framework to 47 lbid. Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Despite common efforts, the future of fisheries in the Mediterranean is today at stake, putting increasing pressures on our fishermen as sub-optimal yields become an increasing threat to employment, further jeopardise stability of food supply and regional security. Increasing pressures are exerted on marine ecosystems by a variety of human activities including overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices. For instance, the European Commission estimates that 93% of the Mediterranean fish stocks are over-exploited. Aquaculture presents specific challenges and in the past, conflicts arose primarily with the more traditional coastal and maritime sectors such as tourism and shipping. A major conflict is that associated with the environmental impact of aquaculture activities. It is recognised that for the industry to perform and grow sustainably, the key challenge for the future is that of improving operational management in such a way as to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and promote competitiveness. Government’s vision for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture is based on four main pillars of 37 development: • improved regulation; • improved operation; • improved environmental monitoring, and • enhanced innovation. By 2050 Government will amongst others: • Ensure enhanced data collection and knowledge on fish stock. • Promote innovation by encouraging research in species diversification, technological improvement, offshore technology and reduction of environmental impacts across Malta’s aquaculture industry. • Achieve effective management of marine protected areas. • Further regulate Fisheries Management Zones and Aquaculture Zones. • Further strengthen the monitoring and enforcement regime for permits and licences. • Build strategic partnership with the private sector as well as the fisheries and aquaculture cooperatives. • Develop a culture of compliance and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. • Support industries’ investments in low-impact fishing gears and techniques and aquaculture activities. • Support sustainable, social responsible processing and marketing of fish. • Support cooperation frameworks at the EU and regional level to maintain and restore fish stocks to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield. Source: Aquaculture Strategy for the Maltese Islands, available at: https://msdec.gov.mt/en/Document%20Repository/Aquaculture%20Strategy%202014-25.pdf Sustainable Agriculture A growing population entails growing needs, which, in turn, requires current agricultural practices to maximise the use of available land while minimising damage to the natural resources, including water, soil and biodiversity. By 2050, Government’s vision is to: • Increase capacity to implement effective actions that promote sustainable agricultural products and services with added value throughout the value chain whilst maximising the value of natural resources. • Enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector by increasing its adaptive capacity and identifying appropriate measures to reduce GHG emissions. 38 • Enhance the utilisation of land and farm resources by applying sustainable cultivation practices. • Valorise farmland for its agricultural value and non-arable land for its ecological, scenic and eco-touristic potential. • Encourage measures for farmers to reduce their dependence on groundwater. • Assist farmers in the integrated management of water resources through financial and knowledge based instruments. • Facilitate sustainable agricultural production through environmentally sound agricultural practices including integrated pest management and plant nutrition. • Develop a soil action plan in relation to agricultural use. • Include within a sector-oriented educational and communication campaign, sustainable soil utilisation practices to increase awareness of soil as a living organism in order to promote a holistic approach to the soil’s productive capacity.

Secure the legacy of indigenous plant species to preserve them for research and propagation purposes including on a commercial scale to conserve them as a genetic insurance in the face of environmental and climate risks as well as for food security in line with access and benefit sharing legislation. Source: National Agricultural Policy for the Maltese Islands 2018 – 2028, available at: https://meae.gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/MSDEC/Documents/ National%20Agricultural%20Policy%20for%20the%20Maltese%20Islands%20 2018%20-%202028.pdf Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 39 “ Applying sustainable cultivation practices Social cohesion and wellbeing This Chapter focuses on the promotion of the social dimension in order to ensure a dignified life for the entire population, so that everyone is enabled to fulfil his or her potential within a healthy environment. The realisation of Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 will not be possible without social inclusion. Social fairness must be ensured, solidarity strengthened and active citizenship encouraged. Our Vision is to strengthen the social economy by stimulating the development of human potential, reducing social and wealth distribution inequalities, promote inclusive labour and education policies, as well as eradicate labour exploitation. Efficient and accessible healthcare and basic services must also be ensured in order to achieve a higher quality of life. To this end Government will: Combat poverty and social exclusion Provide the conditions for the development of human potential, through inclusive labour maket and education and training 40 Ensure good health and wellbeing Build safe and integrated communities Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Combating poverty and social exclusion Although no one is entirely safe • Curtailing fraud in social benefits from falling into poverty or social and taxes; exclusion, the National Strategic • Addressing regional and Policy for Poverty Reduction and for geographical-based imbalances Social Inclusion 2014-202448 notes that and disadvantages by promoting certain individuals and groups are community regeneration; Globalisation has more exposed to this risk due to their • Promoting active ageing; increased vulnerability vulnerability or life circumstances, • Promoting a more inclusive cultural these being: framework and active cultural to social risks such participation; as work insecurity, • the unemployed; • Greater availability of adequate unemployment and • children and young people; and affordable housing; 41 engagement in the • elderly people; • Improving access, quality, • the working poor; adequacy and sustainability of informal economy. • persons with physical and/or social welfare, health and long- Other trends such mental health challenges; term care; and as demographic • persons experiencing violence • Promoting a ‘rights-based’ rather changes arising from and other forms of abuse; than a ‘charity-based’ approach to • asylum seekers and immigrants; service provision. an ageing population • persons with addictive behaviour; and international • persons who lack life skills; and migration are also • persons experiencing leading to greater discrimination.

vulnerabilities. While, The Government’s Vision for 2050 an ageing population is to continue build on the current represents a sign of principles laid out in the Strategic human progress, it also Policy with the aim of eradicating poverty and social exclusion in all its presents substantial forms till 2050, namely by: socioeconomic and social protection • Increasing the activation rate with challenges. particular focus on vulnerable groups; • Making work pay through quality employment opportunities; • Improving educational and training 48 National Strategic Policy for Poverty Reduction and for Social Inclusion 2014- services; 2024, available at: https://family.gov.mt/ • Facilitating greater socio-economic en/Documents/Poverty%20Strategy%20 14%20English%20Version.pdf mobility; Fair and inclusive labour market Achieving a fair and is able to adapt to the challenges • Improving system of flexicurity and and inclusive labour and opportunities emerging from new consolidating and implementing market by 2050 is realities, including: further family-friendly measures. 42 • Implementing measures aimed not just a desirable • demographic changes (such as at mainstreaming the concept of social goal in itself, ageing population and migration); equal pay for equal work across all but is essential to • the changing face of work brought sectors. sustain long-term about by globalisation and • Promoting the increased technological advancement; and inclusion of marginalised and growth and prosperity • new ways of work arrangements underrepresented groups in the of the Maltese economy. including atypical forms of labour market. employment. • Consolidating legislative structures to fight precarious working Achieving this type of labour market This requires in turn adequate level of conditions, labour market can be difficult and requires joint legal, economic and social security exploitation and any threats action and efforts by all parties conditions and the creation of safe and to the employees’ personal involved. To this end, Government healthy working conditions throughout development, without making the shall continue building the necessary employees’ working lives. labour market too rigid. frameworks and the right incentives; • Supporting further inactive however, employers, employees In achieving our aspirations for 2050 persons to get the skills they and trade unions have the prime there are a number of measures and need to re-enter and remain in responsibility for ensuring a healthy, initiatives that need to be considered employment. strong and resilient labour market now across the public and private sectors: • Consolidating and implementing and in the future. further support mechanisms for • Implementing the concept of low-income earners. Our focus for 2050 will be on creating sustainable working lives, which • Facilitate the promotion of mobility more and better quality jobs that meet allows employees to work longer and de-segregation in the labour the needs of every individual in terms and retire healthy. market. of pay, security, and prospects. • Facilitating workplaces to foster • Promoting private-public-social a physical and mental health partnerships and cooperatives In doing so, it is necessary that our protective environment and including social enterprises. workforce continues to be dynamic occupational health and safety.

Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 High quality education and training Apart from being a Inclusion and equity are overarching We will achieve our vision by amongst fundamental human right, principles that will guide all educational others: education is also the policies, plans and practices for the future. This includes taking steps • including lifelong learning foundation for more to prevent and address all forms and training in educational equitable, inclusive and of exclusion and marginalisation, programmes at all levels; 43 cohesive communities disparity, vulnerability and inequality • developing knowledge and skills making it indispensable in educational access, participation, for life and work, and empowering and completion as well as in learning citizens to use the latest digital for the achievement of processes and outcomes. It also technologies; sustainable development. requires understanding learners’ • promoting the concepts of diversities as opportunities in order to sustainable development and enhance and democratise learning for active citizenship as educational Embarking on the path of sustainable all students. principles; development therefore requires a • ensuring efficiency and quality at transformation of how we think and act. Our aspirations is to generate lifelong all levels of education; In order to create a more sustainable learning opportunities from early • developing practical and technical future, citizens must become childhood education and care to adult knowledge and skills in order to sustainability change-makers. They learning to ensure that all children, improve employability; require the knowledge, skills, values young people and adults have the • encouraging lower-educated and attitudes that empower them to opportunity to obtain the necessary people and other vulnerable and contribute to sustainable development. skills and attitudes to be active citizens marginalised groups to participate and to succeed at work and in society. in education and learning in Building on the work and achievements order to ease the transition in recent years, our vision is to move A strong joint venture between into and survival in the labour towards a high quality education educational institutions and industry market, reducing the risk of social system accessible to all. In so doing, would represent a good base to exclusion and providing for a high Government will create the right support the development of curricula quality of life; and conditions for present and future and study programmes that reflect • linking the education system to the generations to overcome barriers to the current and future labour market economy in accordance with the access quality education and lifelong needs. This mechanism has already needs of the labour market. learning opportunities and acquire been initiated but needs to be the necessary skills and talents for accelerated to keep up with the pace employability and active citizenship. of economic development.

44 “ There’s no wealth without health Good health Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 and Wellbeing Health is being increasingly increased incidence and prevalence • Respond to increasing demand seen as a resource to one’s of chronic conditions, such as obesity, and challenges posed by the diabetes, heart disease and cancer, demographic changes and daily living. It is being changes in population lifestyle choices epidemiological trends focusing decreasingly seen as an end in and environmental factors and health on course of life, children, elderly itself but more as a means for threats. Decreased social cohesion and and vulnerable groups. an active and productive life. increased prevalence of mental health • Increase equitable access, problems place further pressure on the availability and timeliness of health The cliché “there’s no wealth health system. and social services, medicines and without health” is progressively health technologies. more and continuously being Other important challenges arise from • Improve quality of care by reiterated in public health and the steadily increasing expenditure ensuring consistency of care and on healthcare services. Building having qualified health personnel political fora and applies not on the work and achievements supported by a robust information only at an individual level but in recent years, Government will systems. 45 also at a community, national continue address these challenges • Designing, developing and and European level.49 through an amplified emphasis on evaluating policies towards a increasing efficiency, productivity sustainable health system targeting and cost containment with a view to human resources, financing Our Vision is to actively promote a ensuring the economic sustainability mechanisms, entitlement criteria society that fosters an environment of the health system. Concomitantly, for care and organisation of that is conducive to persons attaining the healthcare system needs to be care delivery whilst improving their maximum potential for health responsive to and address legitimate governance and empowering and wellbeing. In order to attain these demands for greater patient choice future leadership for health and goals, Government will continue build and improved, faster access to wellbeing to influence national on the current principles laid out in services, new treatments and decisions through whole-of- the National Health Systems Strategy technologies such as in the fast- government and whole-of-society for Malta 2014-2020 to provide every evolving fields of medical genetics and approaches. individual with the opportunity to personalised medicine. lead a healthy and active life, and to benefit from equitable access In order to address these challenges to sustainable quality healthcare. sustainably and within the available budgetary resources, the health In the coming decades, the health system needs to enact effective, system will have to overcome a sustainable solutions with greater number of significant challenges emphasis on prevention, increased including the continuously increasing efficiency and improved use of size of the population of the Maltese resources. Islands, ageing population, along with the influx of more of tourists and Building on the work and 49 A National Health Systems Strategy for Malta 2014-2020, available at: migrants. These factors are leading to achievements in recent years, https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/ a greater burden on the healthcare Government will further: Documents/National-Health-Strategies/ NHSS-EN.pdf system as it is expected to cater for

Building safe and integrated communities Race, colour, ethnic origin, age, matter what his or her economic disability, religion, sex, sexual resources, political status or social orientation and gender identity are standing, must be treated equally merely characteristics not a social under the law. status that determines the level of • Violators of human rights should rights one can enjoy. We strive for a be brought to justice. The society where by 2050 its individual judiciary which serves to protect components are viewed equally as just societies must be impartial, persons without exceptions. accountable and inclusive. By 2050 everyone • Maintaining the security of This is what true integration looks all individuals and their living will feel welcomed like, communities where people, environment. and proud of their irrespective of their background, live, • All members of society are able 46 identity and heritage; work, learn and socialise together, and motivated to participate in take advantage of the based on shared rights, responsibilities civic, social, economic and political and opportunities. Communities where activities as well as participation opportunities that the many religions, cultures and opinions in decision-making and policy Maltese Islands offer are celebrated, underpinned by a formulation processes. whilst recognising their shared set of values that champion • Universal access to public responsibilities to other tolerance, freedom and equality of infrastructure and facilities such as opportunity. community centres, recreational groups and to our facilities, public libraries, resource wider society. Safety is the cornerstone of any centres with internet facilities, well thriving neighbourhood and maintained public schools, clinics, community. We will do our utmost water supplies and sanitations. to eradicate prejudice and violence, • Equal access to public information educate our citizens to be more open in order to make popular and inclusive towards others, and participation possible with well- seek and address inequalities that informed members of society. have lingered through time in our law • Equity in the distribution of wealth books as well as in our administrative and resources. Socio-economic practices. policies should be geared towards managing equitable distribution In creating a community that is safe, and equal opportunities. inclusive and equitable for all residents • Tolerance for and appreciation of and visitors, our Vision will revolve cultural diversity. around the following principles: • Mainstreaming cultural inclusion throughout all public services • Respect for all human rights, (schools, healthcare facilities, freedoms, and the rule of law. correctional facilities, and non- Every member of society, no culturally related places).

Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Financing our vision for 2050 Managing sustainable financial and financing critical areas of clean resources will be essential for tech innovation. achieving a successful transition to a resource efficient, greener, Government policies and public circular, inclusive and sustainable finance will play a central role, yet model of development. Sustainable given the high upfront investment The transition finance involves the integration of required, the financial markets have environmental, social and governance a great potential for influencing towards a sustainable factors across the financial system with how private capital is mobilised economy, society the goal of strengthening resilience, and shifted towards sustainability. and environment will targeting more result oriented Financial guarantees for sustainable require a commitment capital allocation and improving infrastructure and financial tools, such accountability. In essence, from a as green and social bond markets, can in terms of public and public financing perspective, Ministries attract investors in servicing the capital 47 private financing to and Entities need to factor sustainability and investment needed to achieve our secure the capacity of within their interventions. Doing more Vision by 2050. all stakeholders to foster with the same resources is a first step in our common obligation to Our Vision is to move away from a sustainable development. mainstream sustainable development culture where green and social bonds Finance is therefore across the board. are a novelty to one where the entire an essential lever for bond market is responsive to the need achieving ambitious yet Government’s aspiration for for a transition towards a low-carbon 2050 is to develop a good and and inclusive society. sustainable goals. This functionable framework that is transition, however, conducive to stimulate further cannot be seen solely investment opportunities. The aim from the additional is that of sustaining prosperity and competitiveness, keeping in mind the natural capital outlay that key role that innovation will have to would be required but, play. All these attributes will need to more importantly, from be integrated within a context where the operational savings social inclusion, the environment, and our climate are revalued upwards. and sustainable growth that would result. Financing a sustainable economy will require the efficient management and, where necessary, the reallocation of capital to critical priorities including improving access to finance, raising capital for sustainable infrastructure through innovative financial techniques Public participation The image of Malta outlined in this Vision Document cannot be realised without the broad consensus and commitment of all citizens.

A better future can be realised even from the smallest commitment or action by any one of us. Throughout this document, Government set out to paint a Vision that gathers political and societal support. To further add value to this consultation exercise we are launching the following questions to stimulate the process that will eventually lead to the development of Malta’s new 48 Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan. Be part of it! Be an active participant in the formulation of our common future! Q1. What is your opinion on the Vision? Q2. Are there any other aspects do you think are crucial to secure sustainable development by 2050? Q3. What developments would you expect to see in Malta’s economic policy to further reduce the decouple its growth from consequential negative impacts on the environment? Q4. What developments would you expect to see in Malta’s social policy to further support social inclusion and ensure a dignified life for all, and where everyone is enabled to fulfil his or her potential within a healthy environment? Q5. How can Malta’s environment policy support the valorisation of our limited natural resources whilst contribute to our competitiveness or wellbeing? Q6. What financial instruments could complement this Vision for a sustainable future? Malta’s Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 Next steps The Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change encourages public entities, private sector organisations, constituted bodies, civil society and individuals to assist the development of Malta’s new Sustainable Development Strategy by providing feedback in the form of answers to the questions put forward in this document. 49 Additional suggestions may also be This consultation is open up till Friday, put forward. The Ministry wishes 30 November 2018. to emphasise that this document is shaping the future of present Electronic submissions should be sent and future generations. As such, it on sustainabledevelopment.mesdc@ is in everybody’s interest to assist gov.mt. Postal submission should be Government in shaping the vision addressed to the Directorate General which will characterise our future and for Sustainable Development, the that of future generations. Environment and Climate Change, 6 Qormi Road, Santa Venera SVR 1302. 50 MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, environment.gov.mt SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE