The proactive interface of environmental evidence and strategic environmental policy : from assessment to action

Abstract

Malta’s environmental management framework is based on national legislation, regional and international obligations, and global sustainability commitments. The Environment Protection Act (CAP.549) sets the legal framework for environmental management and access to environmental information, complemented by the Aarhus Convention’s principles of access to information, public participation, and access to justice. A key background to this is Malta’s commitment to the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to EU Climate Law.

This framework is increasingly becoming connected to national economic policy tools. For example, Malta’s climate and environmental strategic policy interface with economic policy that shape fiscal priorities and public investment are continuously evolving. Central to this is strategic environmental policy which establishes Malta’s long term environmental vision, aligning national environmental priorities with the European Green Deal, and the 8th Environment Action Programme (EAP).

Within this structure, the environmental status assessments are a primary evidence based tool that periodically evaluates the state of Malta’s environment, identifies drivers of change, and assesses progress to policy targets. The assessments cover eight detailed themes covering ambient quality, biodiversity, climate change, marine waters, fresh waters, waste and resources, land and coast, and enabling environmental change – all supporting a synthesis based on the assessment of over 200 indicators. Since its first publication in 1998, environmental status assessment reporting has evolved in terms of scope, and analytical depth, driven by improved data, more structured indicators, and improved collaboration across government entities.