The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, are a
universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity
for all by 2030. While SDG 11 focuses on sustainable cities and communities, encompassing
urban development planning, public transportation access, and waste management, Target
11.4 specifically highlights strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural
and natural heritage.
This target is a fundamental pillar for building sustainable and thriving communities,
particularly in the Maltese Islands. Malta’s cultural and natural heritage forms the bedrock of
its identity, history, and sense of place. It provides a unique context, fosters social cohesion,
offers educational and tourism opportunities, and contributes to overall well-being.
Safeguarding these treasures is an investment in the very fabric of Maltese society,
extending beyond mere preservation of historical sites and landscapes.
From Neolithic temples to the architecture of the Knights of St. John, Malta’s cultural assets
hold global significance. However, this rich heritage faces significant challenges from rapid
development, population density pressures, and climate change, evident in potential
overdevelopment, resource strain, and coastal erosion. Building resilience necessitates
protecting these irreplaceable assets to ensure their continued contribution to the islands’
social and economic well-being for generations to come.