https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120066 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:10:31 GMT 2026-07-22T15:10:31Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132735 Title: Exploring the contribution of EIA follow-up governance to EIA effectiveness : a case study of Malta Abstract: EIA follow-up governance incorporates all the processes, mechanisms and arrangements required to enable the implementation of EIA follow-up. Governance, together with monitoring, evaluation, management and participation (i.e., engagement and communication), are the follow-up elements essential for understanding the outcomes of development projects which are subject to EIA. Noting how regrettably, EIA follow-up is overlooked in terms of implementation, this research aims to (i) identify best practice principles and criteria for effective EIA follow-up governance, and (ii) understand what would constitute effective EIA follow-up governance at the macro (jurisdiction) level, while utilising EIA in Malta as a case study. A thorough literature review of EIA follow-up, particularly governance, and EIA effectiveness led to the derivation of a set of 10 best practice principles for effective EIA follow-up governance. The principles are related to: (1) legislative provisions, (2) identification of responsibilities, (3) compliance and enforcement, (4) EIA follow-up outcomes, (5) performance criteria, (6) understanding the purpose and importance of EIA follow-up, (7) adequate resource allocation, (8) efficient and effective governance arrangements, (9) transparency and accessibility, and (10) legitimacy. Together with a set of detailed accompanying criteria, these 10 principles provide a framework that can be applied to evaluate any EIA follow-up system at the macro level. The principles were tested against data collected through a multi-method qualitative research approach, i.e., through documentary analysis, utilising information from Maltese development consent decisions (5 detailed project-level case studies), elite interviews with decision-makers (3), a focus group discussion with stakeholders (1 discussion) and a policy Delphi (2 rounds with 12 and 10 stakeholders respectively) involving the same stakeholders. With a pragmatist philosophical view underpinning the research through its practice-oriented perspective, a case study approach was utilised to guide the evaluation of the performance of EIA follow-up governance in Malta. The results were presented in evaluation tables, providing a visual representation (through a traffic-light system) of the performance of EIA follow-up governance. The framework provided a focused assessment of EIA follow-up governance in Malta. The application of the principles proved to be relatively easy and offered clear feedback. It is evident, however, that the lack of information available on EIA follow-up, particularly on governance, may hinder a robust judgement of its performance. The best practice principles and related criteria highlighted its current state of play, but also identified deficiencies that would warrant improvements towards their effectiveness. The principles and criteria are designed to enable any interested party to evaluate any jurisdiction worldwide implementing EIA follow-up, to provide guidance and enable best practice, rather than acting as a compliance check-box tool. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132735 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121697 Title: The contribution of grant schemes towards the public understanding of cultural heritage in the Maltese context Abstract: Considering the immediate take up of the grant scheme Irrestawra Darek combined with the recent public outcries about the ‘uglification’ of the urban environment, an objective of this long essay has been to discover whether the grant scheme has had an impact on the urban environment within the Urban Conservation Areas of the Maltese Islands. A secondary objective has been to assess any educational benefits the scheme might have had, in order to better understand the more intangible cultural value of the scheme. This research has been carried out by first analysing whether the grant scheme guidelines are at par with the policies. Following this, interviews have been carried out with architects and planners, some of which are beneficiaries of the grant scheme themselves. These interviewees have been chosen since they are directly involved in the process of the scheme and also because they are in direct contact with the beneficiaries of the grant schemes. The resultant outcomes, albeit being somewhat negative regarding the operational aspect of the scheme, are encouraging to the planners. To be noted is that the arising issues, being experienced by both architects and planners, have yielded common results when it comes to regulations, aesthetical improvements and educational benefits, despite each group having a different standpoint. In this regard, improvements to the grant scheme criteria, its processing and its educational benefits have been recommended. It has been concluded that a proactive way forward for the protection of cultural heritage, whether through grant schemes or otherwise, is through the participation of the public in well thought out and sufficiently funded Public-Private Partnerships. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121697 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121696 Title: Tarxien’s local plan policies at the UCA interface : the impact on the UCA character Abstract: ‘Excessive’ ongoing development is one of the main reasons why the construction industry is criticised by many in Malta. This research study aims to explore how new and potential development right outside the Urban Conservation Area (UCA) of Tarxien is affecting the character of the UCA itself. Data for this project was collected through analysis (mainly analysis of the South Malta Local Plan (SMLP) and on-the-ground analysis) and semi structured interviews with three planning officials. Results show that the UCA is being directly impacted by developments right outside the UCA. The term ‘character’ is not given the desired importance, and the on-the-ground analysis confirms this. These findings indicate that in order to preserve and conserve what is left, urgent action must be taken before it is too late. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121696 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z