The European Commission's first-ever Strategy for Coastal Communities marks an important step in policymaking. Complementing the EU Islands Strategy and the European Ocean Pact, it "is an initiative to support the economic, social, and environmental resilience of Europe's coastal regions, which face unique challenges like climate change, unbalanced tourism, and demographic decline."
During the public consultation, the Malta Sociological Association argued that coastal towns, port cities, and small islands should be recognised not simply as economic assets or environmental resources, but also as living social spaces. This is where sociology, together with Social Impact Assessment and related social science approaches, has much to contribute.
Too often, coastal policies are evaluated primarily through quantitative indicators such as employment, investment, tourist arrivals, cargo throughput or biodiversity targets. These are indispensable, but they tell only part of the story. Sociology encourages us to ask different questions. How do factors such as class, gender, ethnicity, migration, age, and culture shape people's lived experiences of coastal change? How do power relations operate not only through governments and political parties, but also through business interests, environmental organisations, trade unions, local councils, cultural actors, and community groups? Which voices dominate public debate, and which remain largely invisible?
Organised interests often possess greater social and political capital, enabling them to shape policy agendas and media narratives. Yet maritime workers, residents, small-scale fishers, migrants, young people, and less organised communities may experience the impacts of coastal transformation most directly while having fewer opportunities to influence decision-making. Good governance should actively seek out these voices rather than assuming that the loudest voices necessarily represent the public interest.
A useful way of understanding these social dimensions is to walk through one of Malta's busiest waterfronts and engage via one's sociological imagination. Walking Sociology encourages us to observe not only the physical environment, but also the interactions, opportunities, inequalities and contradictions that shape everyday life.
Ix-Xatt, connecting Sliema and Gzira, has a vibrant and cosmopolitan promenade. Shops, real estate, cafés, restaurants and cruises generate employment and economic activity. Social interaction involves residents, workers, tourists, passers-by, and shoppers, amongst others. Ferry connections to Valletta, Buġibba, and Gozo strengthen maritime connectivity, while public transport enhances accessibility.
Yet the same walk reveals another reality, amid a very high population density. Construction, pollution, noise, and congestion are daily features. Buses are frequently overcrowded. Pavements can become difficult to navigate because of works, poor infrastructure, signage, restaurant tables and chairs, or other obstacles, creating accessibility challenges. Even though waste collection is in place, refuse bags and unpleasant odours are consistently present. Crowding itself can become a barrier, reminding us that overtourism is not merely a policy concept but a lived experience.
One also encounters tensions surrounding access to the coast, as recently played out at Manoel Island, among others. Commercial activities such as lidos (including a fresh proposal which has caused controversy) contribute to economic vitality, yet they also raise legitimate questions about preserving the coastline as a public commons for activities such as recreation and swimming.
Perhaps most importantly, Walking Sociology reminds us to notice what is not immediately visible. Behind a thriving waterfront economy are workers whose employment ranges from secure and well-paid to precarious and insecure. Among the crowds may be people experiencing different situations, from prosperity to poverty and social exclusion. In turn, other social-scientific research methods may be employed to investigate further.
Walking the Sliema waterfront also highlights how ecological and climatic factors shape everyday social life. During the hotter months, long stretches of the promenade offer limited shade, making parts of the walk uncomfortable or even inaccessible for many people. Climate change is making such conditions increasingly frequent and intense. This reminds us that social, environmental, and economic realities cannot be treated separately, especially if we are to place people's lived experiences at the centre of coastal strategy.
Michael Briguglio is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Malta
www.michaelbriguglio.com