Evaluating the feasibility of different types of green infrastructure in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

Green Infrastructure (GI) is comprised of engineered, semi-engineered or natural elements integrated into urban and rural environments, which can provide ecosystem services while mitigating problems associated with anthropogenic activity. This dissertation aims at understanding the feasibility of implementing various GI elements in the Maltese Islands. There are presently policies and plans which appear to support the use of GI; however, examples of implementation are lacking. Two aspects of feasibility were examined: technical and structural. Technical feasibility was evaluated through a review of literature of existing GI projects worldwide and of the requirements for specific GI elements. Several GI elements appear to be suitable for local implementation and could provide benefits as long as implementation takes into consideration unique local conditions. To evaluate structural feasibility, a stakeholder analysis was conducted and an interest/influence matrix produced. Eight stakeholders with a high degree of interest in GI and a high degree of influence were identified. These stakeholders were interviewed using semistructured interviews. Results showed that all eight stakeholders are aware of GI and consider it a multifunctional tool. However, implementation still seems to be unnecessarily slow. Recommendations involve enhancing leadership and responsibility, possibly through the creation of an independent entity dedicated to GI.