We are living in extraordinary times which require extraordinary action. The current crisis has taught us an important lesson – economic diversification is not only important during economic booms, but it is imperative in challenging economic times like these. The impact of COVID-19 is also teaching us that economic growth is not possible without a healthy society. Human health depends to a large extent on the environment we are exposed to – air and noise pollution, climate, water quality, and agricultural practices.

The economy, health, and environment are all interrelated elements which should be analysed simultaneously.

 As the Minister for the Environment, Climate change, and Planning, I am responsible not only for environment of the Maltese Islands, but also to ensure that the planning and construction industry -- an important sector in the economy -- embarks on a sustainable path that co-exists with the environment.

 I strongly believe that with the adoption of the right economic choices, it is possible to achieve sustainable levels of economic growth, not only within the construction industry but also across sectors, whilst ensuring that we have the environmental quality that each and every person living in the Maltese Islands deserves. This approach should be the foundation of the economy we build post-COVID. After all, the quality of the environment plays an important role in the future of our economy, to attract investment and tourism.

Thousands of jobs depend on the construction industry. The industry makes up 3.8% of the economy. Most importantly, the industry has a substantial multiplier effect. Construction generates income in sectors such as professional services and real estate.  It is therefore necessary, now more than ever, to strike the right balance between safeguarding the environment and the wellbeing of our communities on the one hand and economic growth on the other, with the construction industry being recognised as one of the key industries that contributes substantially to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and which directly and indirectly employs thousands of people.

Whilst striking a balance between the environment and construction remains a key target for me as a Minister, I had to ensure that the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry is mitigated by a number of ‘immediate response’ measures. To this effect, the measures taken by the Ministry to mitigate the challenges of COVID19 were many, amongst them those spearheaded by the Panning Authority through two legal notices, the first being to extend by an additional three years all development permits set to expire by end 2022.

This measure applies solely to permits which are already in hand - but with the aim of balancing and spreading out construction works over time. From an environmental perspective, and keeping quality of life in mind, such an extension would prevent a scenario of the entire country being a construction site in a race against time: a risky and potentially damaging situation, given the circumstances, which the Authority is right to try and avoid.

The reality is that these are the type of proactive steps that, as Environment Minister, I would expect such entities to take. It is part of the PA’s responsibility to support, especially in such difficult times, those who have a development permit in hand -- including families, businesses, and government entities, who altogether form part of the ecosystem driving our national economy and contributes to the livelihood of everyone. It would not be doing its job otherwise.

The main aim of this decision is to spread out the works that are covered by residential and commercial permits over a period of time.

The measure will avoid leaving unfinished projects in a standstill and also reduce the administrative burdens related to the renewal of development permissions already in force. It will also help to avoid major disruptions which could lead to imbalanced construction across the island once the situation is normalised -- something which, as I explained already, would have a negative impact on the environment.

Apart from economic and environmental considerations, families in Malta will also feel the strain emanating from COVID-19. I believe that such measures will also alleviate some of the burdens they might face.

At a time when public health is the utmost priority, most - if not all - of our country’s economic sectors are looking for creative and innovative ways to remain functional. There is no reason why the planning sector, which employs thousands and positively impacts the livelihood of many more, should not be doing the same. Such changes could also do well for the future, helping us as a country to equip ourselves with technologies, back-up plans, and alternative ways of doing things, such as to minimise disruptions and losses should any crises hit.

In a separate legal notice, the PA introduced a new protocol that will allow its Planning Board or Commissions to conduct their meetings in public using electronic or other viable means of communication. An applicant, perit, registered interested party and any member of the public will be allowed to make submissions related to the case the board or commission will be discussing by electronic means such as video-conferencing -- even on mobile phones, to ensure that they are as accessible as possible.

I believe this is the way forward for any sector, rather than force it to a halt, and I believe this should go without saying. Once again, pulling the brakes suddenly on the planning sector would have adverse effects that go beyond the social and economic. It could also negatively affect both our urban and natural environment in the long run.

As an economist and member of Cabinet, I believe that our way out from the significant financial challenges we’re currently experiencing by the COVID-19 outbreak is an economic model based on boosting productivity growth, combating inequality, providing meaningful work opportunities and shoring up the economy against financial storms. As an environmentalist, I have no interest in defending decisions by any authority, unless these decisions are made for the good of our country, its people, and its environment above all.

Aaron Farrugia is Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning