Urban sprawl is a pressing issue worldwide, and Malta is no exception. With its limited land resources and high population density, this small territory is particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of urbanization. Recent studies have shown that Malta has one of the highest shares of artificial land cover in Europe, with around 23.7% to 32.9% of its land area being urbanized (Pace et al., 2023 & Eurostat, 2023).
What’s Behind Urban Sprawl?
Simply put, it’s the rapid expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural or natural lands, often characterised by low-density development, urbanisation of rural areas, and fragmented land use. This phenomenon is driven by factors such as population growth, lack of planning, and economic considerations like affordable land and transportation costs.
A Multi-Faceted Approach
Tackling urban sprawl in Malta requires a comprehensive approach that involves effective planning, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Both political and non-political actors have a role to play in this effort.
The Manoel Island Story
Let’s take a closer look at the Manoel Island case. This small island in Marsamxett Harbour has been at the centre of a heated debate over urban development. In 2000, the government handed over the island to MIDI plc through a 99-year lease, restricting public access. However, NGOs like Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) have been fighting to reopen access and protect the island’s environment.
NGOs Take Action
In 2015, Konrad Borg Manché, the mayor of Gżira, attempted to reopen access to Manoel Island but was unsuccessful. A year later, activists from Kamp Emerġenza Ambjent took matters into their own hands, entering the island with bolt cutters to open the foreshore. Fast-forward to 2017, MIDI applied for a new Outline Development Permit, which was approved in 2019 despite being appealed by FAA. More recently, the campaign “Manoel Island: Post Għalina” (A Place For Us) was launched, spearheaded by Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) and Moviment Graffitti. The campaign attracted 29,000 signatures, prompting the Prime Minister to consider turning the island into a national park.
A Turning Point?
The government is now gearing up to file a judicial challenge against MIDI, while the consortium has announced its commitment to finding a solution that could return Manoel Island to government hands. This case highlights the crucial role NGOs play in curbing urban sprawl and promoting sustainable development in Malta.