VARCITIES pilot characterisation : research findings of the environmental conditions and health-related risks in Gzira

Abstract

Gżira is a small, highly densely populated town in the Maltese Islands measuring just 0.6 km2 in surface area, that is facing many ecological and environmental challenges. The Horizon 2020 project, VARCITIES, aims to co-create visionary solutions (VS) with the Gżira community and various stakeholders to address these problems. A characterisation study was carried out as the first step in the processes needed to develop these solutions. This report shows data gathered by the Research Innovation Unit of the Gżira Local Council and University of Malta, with VSs being suggested involving microgreening and citizen engagement activities to address the lack of green public spaces and health related risks currently perceptible in its geographical location, climate, and infrastructure. Following a series of ethnographic field observations, air quality measurements, academic research and consultations with expert stakeholders three visionary solutions were carefully co-created in order to devise the main Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to be implemented in the pilot city. This article discusses the present situation in Gżira and identifies the challenges of the context, and describes the ways in which VARCITIES attempts to address such problems and how NBS can be of benefit to the Gżira locality and users of space. The main challenges identified about the pilot sites are linked to deprivation of green infrastructure, high levels of air and noise pollution, the Urban Heat Island effect and improper disposal of waste. Visionary Solutions were proposed for these challenges in the form of infrastructural implementation and sociocultural events. These include; the micro-greening of a bus stop area and pop-up activities in Rue d’Argens, a citizen science activity involving residents in conducting air pollution measurements to increase awareness and a green outdoor learning space at St. Clare Gżira Primary School.