Increasing islands' environmental resilience through environmental planning and management : case study of Malta and Cyprus

Abstract

Islands are particularly vulnerable to environmental risks. Their limited size and geographical isolation makes them more prone to environmental risks and external shocks and therefore, islands' ability to cope with such risks is considered to be relatively much lower compared with the larger developed countries. Additionally, the currently increasing population densities, overpopulation in coastal areas, changes in the earth's climate and other factors are continuously adding to such risks. Immediate strategies of spatial planning and land management are therefore required, in order to increase islands' resilience to these environmental risks and possibly increase the level of preparedness and adaptation responses. The study is to focus on the environmental vulnerability of islands, with a particular focus on two small island states in the Mediterranean; Malta and Cyprus, and propose mitigation measures to prevent environmental risks. Environmental threats associated with climate change are ever increasing and there is the need for more awareness and preparedness. The analyse of the interrelation between environmental problems and regional development of both islands will enable to point out strategies and instruments of spatial planning and land management to support the possible prevention of such hazards by increasing an islands' environmental resilience. In showing and understanding the different types of environmental issues present in each island, I would be able to compare such data, and eventually bring out the main factors determining such issues. I would be able to analyse in what ways the islands are similar or different and compare what is being done in both countries, and perhaps what is lacking in either one or in both. On the basis of the above, recommendations for appropriate mitigation measures on the grounds of spatial planning and environmental management would be made.