Land development in Malta and Cyprus from 1995 to 2004

Abstract

This thesis is based on the hypothesis that Malta's land use for development is quite high and that it needs to be better controlled for the benefit of all. Consequently the main aims of this study is to understand (i) Malta's position in terms of land development between 1995 and 2004 in comparison with Cyprus; (ii) identify the benefits reaped from land development in Malta and Cyprus; (iii) analyse the seriousness of the problems faced in both islands due to land development; (iv) understand whether Malta and Cyprus are taking the right initiatives and doing the proper control for a sustainable development; and lastly (v) examine practical land development policies and approaches employed in Cyprus, analyse whether these are applicable in Malta and recommend the findings to the Maltese authorities to ameliorate the land development system in the Maltese Islands. Accordingly, the literature review begins with an explanation of what is land development, what arc its repercussions and positive effects, the importance of planning and managing land development; the common techniques used to reach sustainable development and finally the importance of ethics in land planning decisions. Thereafter, a background description of Malta and Cyprus is provided. This information is necessary to aid the reader to acquaint himself/herself with each of them.