Urban green : an urban dream? an inquiry into the management framework of urban green areas in the South Malta local plan area

Abstract

The urban environment is considered to be an ecosystem in its own right, being dominated by inputs, outputs, and throughputs, and being thoroughly integrated within a larger urban system. The urban ecosystem though, is not self sustainable system unlike natural ecosystems. Natural ecosystems may be described as being unpredictable, being capable of adapting itself to various situations accordingly. The urban ecosystem on the other hand is quite rigid, and does not offer solution to various environmental problems that have been encountered in the past decade. Various players that are living in an urban system, and affected by the urban system are coming forward, seeking solutions to improve the urban quality. Interests in improving urban quality by increasing and maintaining urban green areas are being voiced in all comers of the world: South Africa, Australia, Singapore, the United States, and Europe. Interest is also being shown by different entities of different expertise: IUCN, European Union, Planning Entities, Governments, and the general public. The studies have shown how an open space system contributes to the biodiversity conservation, health benefits, educational benefits, and economic benefits. This however is not foreign to various difficulties in managing the system, financially, and also ensuring that the provision of urban green space does not contribute to the detriment of the protection of natural habitats lying beyond the urban borders. The concerns regards urban quality is not foreign to the Maltese Framework. This dissertation analyses the existing system, identifying the existing legal framework that governs the management of green areas in the Maltese Islands, where special attention is given to the South Malta Local Plan Area. Briefly assesses the current state of the green areas identified in the South Malta Local Plan, whilst comparing the existing framework to that applied in foreign waters. The dissertation also seeks a possible way forward, in improving the urban quality using the existing tools, and considering the characteristics of a small island state.