ESD strategies, community identity and heritage preservation : the Ġgantija heights development : a case study

Abstract

The Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the subject of public concern due to a controversial proposed development in 2024, known as Ġgantija Heights development (PA/00570/21), that proposed to build a block of apartments less than 200m from the Ġgantija Temples within the designated buffer zone. This study uses the case to explore how a sense of belonging among key stakeholders influences their engagement with heritage-related development proposals. A qualitative methodology was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 16 participants, including local residents, heritage professionals, and civil society members. Three interviewees were actively involved in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives, mainly through activism and public campaigning, which ultimately contributed to the revocation of the building permit in March 2025. However, findings indicate that a formal ESD strategy was not used in the protection of the site. The majority of participants emphasised that the threat to Malta's built heritage persists, especially in the face of unrestrained development and insufficient regulatory enforcement. It was clear from the research that a sense of belonging is deeply influenced by both the level of familiarity with the site and the time spent engaging with it. Participants with stronger personal or cultural ties to the Ġgantija Temples expressed a heightened sense of responsibility and were more actively engaged in opposing the development. Whilst formal heritage policies exist, Malta does not currently have a law which prohibits development near World Heritage Sites. The study highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Malta’s built heritage in the face of unchecked development and weak regulatory enforcement. The research emphasises the need for a stronger integration of ESD practices to empower communities, foster deeper connections to heritage sites, and support informed decision making in heritage management. This research suggests an ESD strategy for key stakeholders involved in future developments near World Heritage Sites.