Landscape is one of the most noticeable results of the interaction between the natural and human agents on the land and the surrounding territorial waters. Its state is also considered as a good indicator of the quality of life.

According to the European Landscape Convention, landscape is defined as “an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors”. In other words, landscape is whatever one perceives (mainly through the sense of sight) and how this sensation is translated into an interpreted experience. The modern interpretation of landscape is not restricted to pleasant rural areas but covers the whole territory, including territorial waters.

As part of the Structure Plan review process, Mepa has commissioned a study to address the interaction between natural and anthropological agents which mould the Maltese landscape. The influence of human activity focuses on the first 10 years of operation of the current Structure Plan.

The study addresses a number of factors, including the key elements of the character of the Maltese landscape; a Maltese landscape characterisation exercise; salient landscape-related issues; a draft landscape assessment model.

The study also proposes an outline framework for strategic policy related to human intervention according to a hierarchy of landscape-sensitive areas.

In view of the complexity of the issues, the need was felt to avoid an over-use of technical jargon and to limit the text to the bare essentials. The text is also extensively cross-referenced with photography which should widen the readership and make perusal of the study easier.

The study is now being issued for public consultation, giving the public an opportunity to express its views and submit comments that will be useful in the compilation of the final publication that will subsequently be endorsed by the Mepa board.

The draft document is available from the Mepa website www.mepa.org.mt and can also be obtained from Mepa’s offices as a CD-ROM copy.

Feedback on the study should be addressed to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, Draft Landscape Assessment Study, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana CMR 01 or by email on [email protected]. The closing date for the receipt of comments is 3 November.

The study portrays the features and issues that influence the dynamic Maltese landscape. This study has been undertaken in light of the revisions to the Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands.

Landscape is one of the most noticeable results of the interaction between the natural and human agents on land and the surrounding territorial waters. Its state is also considered as a good indicator of the quality of life.

According to the European Landscape Convention, landscape is defined as “an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors”. In other words, landscape is whatever one perceives (mainly through the sense of sight) and how this sensation is translated into an interpreted experience. The modern interpretation of landscape is not restricted to pleasant rural areas but covers the whole territory, including territorial waters.

As part of the Structure Plan review process, MEPA has commissioned a study to address the interaction between natural and anthropological agents, which mould the Maltese landscape. The influence of human activity is focused on the period that covers the first 10 years of operation of the current Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands.

The study addresses a number of factors. These include:

• the key elements of the Maltese landscape character;

• a Maltese landscape characterisation exercise;

• the salient landscape related issues;

• a draft landscape assessment model.

The study also proposes an outline framework for strategic policy related to human intervention according to a hierarchy of landscape sensitive areas.

In view of the complexity of the issues, a need was felt to restrain overuse of technical jargon and to limit the text to the bare essentials. The text is also extensively cross referenced to photography. This should widen the readership and facilitate perusal of the study.

The study is now being issued for public consultation. The public has the opportunity to express its views and submit comments that will be useful for the compilation of the final publication which will subsequently be endorsed by the MEPA board.

The draft document is being circulated on the MEPA website www.mepa.org.mt and can also be obtained from MEPA offices as a CD-ROM copy. Feedback on the study should be addressed to:

Malta Environment & Planning Authority, Draft Landscape Assessment Study, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana CMR 01 or through e-mail on [email protected].

The closing date is 3 November.