Intent and Objectives: General Guidelines for Landscaping in Urban Areas

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 15 April 2024

Closing date: 29 April 2024

Title of the public consultation: Intent and Objectives: General Guidelines for Landscaping in Urban Areas

Ministry: Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour (MEER)

Entity: Environment and Resources Authority (ERA)

  1. Background

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is preparing General Guidelines for Landscaping in Urban Areas.

Appropriate landscaping in urban areas provides various benefits for biodiversity, as well as for quality of life and wellbeing. Important ecosystem services which may be provided by suitably landscaped urban areas include those related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, pollination, water management, temperature regulation, reducing exposure to air pollution, noise abatement, aesthetic inspiration, as well as creating green settings for cultural events, recreation, active mobility, leisure and exercise. Landscaped areas also play a critical role by acting as ecological corridors and providing refuge habitats for indigenous flora and fauna.

The adoption and application of good landscaping practices, which could incorporate both native and selected non-native species, is critical to maximise the environmental and wellbeing benefits of green spaces in our towns and villages.

 

  1. Consultation

Intent and Objectives

The intent of this document will be to act as guidance for appropriate landscaping in urban areas.

The main objectives of the proposed guidelines are to provide:

      1. general guidelines on what aspects should be taken into consideration for landscaping in urban areas;
      2. indicative lists of recommended tree and shrub species that can be planted in urban areas;
      3. indicative lists of tree species which are not recommended for urban areas due to ecological, health and safety, and infrastructural reasons;
      4. guidance on aftercare and maintenance of vegetation.

Consultation Questions

ERA wishes to receive feedback on the above intent and objectives, as well as any other related issues linked with these aspects as duly relevant.

The follow questions are being put forward as part of this consultation:

      1. Do you agree with the proposed intent and objectives of these guidelines?
      2. Can the objectives be further refined, keeping in mind the intent of these Guidelines?
      3. Should there be additional objectives and linkages not identified above?
      4. Which aspects would you consider as priorities?
      5. Do you have any further feedback or comments on the intent or objectives of these Guidelines?

 

  1. Submission of feedback

Comments are being invited through the feedback form at publicconsultation.gov.mt or otherwise by email through [email protected].

 

  1. Further notes:

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

All comments submitted shall be duly considered.

The guidelines will be available for public consultation in due course.