Territorial Analysis Report Malta

Transcription

1 4.1 Strategic analysis of local contexts and evaluation of attractors: Territorial Analysis Report Malta (WP4 - Strategic Analysis and Training) Futute of our Past (F.O.P) Responsible Partners: Fondazzjoni Temi Zammit 1

2 Table of Contents 1 Introduction The Project The Maltese Islands Focus of the Territorial Report Overview of Work-Package Tourism Trends in Valletta 9 2. Territorial Analysis of the Maltese Islands Geomorphologic Characteristics Geographic Description Climate Geomorphology Natural Resources Demographic Data Socio-Political Overview Population Spatial Organization Employment Educational level Conservatoires / Art schools Transport Communications Fixed and Mobile Telephony Media Other Infrastructures Energy Information and Communication Technology Enterprise Support Incubators, Industrial Zones, Technology and Industrial parks Consulting Bodies and Networks Analysis of Cultural Attractions and Risk Factors Main Cultural Attractions St John s Co-Cathedral The Palace 61 2

3 3.4 The National Museum of Archaeology St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity Strada Stretta Risk Factors Synthetic Overview Matrix of Tourism Competitiveness Needs and SWOT Analysis Needs Analysis SWOT Analysis Conclusion: Potential Policy Interventions 104 3

4 1. Introduction 1.1 The Project Tourism is an industry which can generate revenues and employment, with the advantage of being based on eco-sustainable synergy. With due regard to the priorities of the ENPI programme, the Future of our Past (F.O.P) project seeks to create a systemic approach to knowledge, protection, management, tourist valorisation and enforcement of Historical Centres (HC) of the Mediterranean countries involved, which for their peculiarities and specificity have become centres of tourist and economic development. Generally, the project activities will be implemented in the following countries: Italy (Lazio, Basilicata, Campania), Egypt (Alexandria), Spain (Còrdoba), Malta (Malta), Palestinian Authority (Bethlehem), Tunisia (Monastir) and Lebanon (Beirut). The project aims at sharing, among Mediterranean countries, a cross-border model of socioeconomic cooperation, focusing on the realisation and promotion of management and tourist valorisation plans of cultural and environmental heritage of specific HC, in order to strengthen and qualify their tourist usability. Given the main objective, the specific objectives of the project are: a) studying the actual situation in the case study centres, as a starting point to build a new model of tourist planning; b) defining new and more effective strategies of development and tourist valorisation of HC selected and involved in the project; c) involving and training local and national actors and authorities for developing new strategies and action plans on tourism; d) creating a cross-border model of socio-economic cooperation valid for high tourist value sites, able to generate more significant tourist flows; 4

5 e) creating a Mediterranean Network to promote institutional, economic and tourist cross-border cooperation at HC level, exploiting new technologies and creating Mediterranean integrated tourist supplies. The project will therefore allow the involved MED areas to improve the management capacity of their respective historic centres, create different tourist packages and products, create local and international networks, create cultural and natural itineraries and last but not least, improve sustainable development of all the selected historical environments. Historical towns and cities have a long story to tell. In our case, Valletta developed since the sixteenth century, over a period of almost five hundred years. It is therefore crucial that, with the technology and knowledge available today, city managers take the desired care and actions to preserve the irreplaceable values of the territory and show the necessary awareness to assess the consequences of their actions in a historical context. The project will, as a result, support the preservation and conservation of historical areas while improving the existing urban tourism trends. 1.2 The Maltese Islands Situated in the central Mediterranean Sea about 100 km south of Sicily, Malta is the smallest European Union member state both in terms of area and population size. Its unique cultural fabric, however, has been shaped by a succession of rulers in a truly millenary history. The Maltese archipelago is characterised by a pleasant Mediterranean climate and an extremely high population density, particularly around the harbour area. The economic miracle of the sixties and seventies was based on low-tech industry and an abundance of cheap labour, but competition from emerging low-cost economies is forcing a strategic shift towards highadded-value manufacturing and, even more, towards the services sector. Government s declared main strategic thrust for the period has been competitiveness through enterprise support, with an emphasis on tourism as the main economic driver, but efforts have been somewhat hampered by less than ideal infrastructure, insufficient vocational training and, to some extent, a lack of strategic coherence. 5

6 The islands are extremely rich in cultural, historical and natural heritage. With 27 Natura 2000 sites, and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the highest calibre, namely the unique Neolithic temples, reckoned to be the oldest free-standing buildings in the world, the Hypogeum, being the only prehistoric underground temple, and the city of Valletta, a baroque masterpiece, Malta has all the right cards to compete outright with any contender in its bid towards internationalisation of its cultural product. Other strengths that feature prominently are political and social stability, near-universal knowledge of English, a vibrant cultural scene, and excellent air and sea connections. However, institutional structures in support of cultural enterprises are practically nonexistent, compounded by inherent insularity, low employment rate and a lack of a clear policy for cultural entrepreneurship. By identifying, listing and analysing the country s strengths and weaknesses, it will be possible to take advantage of the emerging opportunities of a growing cultural sector, an increased trade integration with the EU, and the growing importance of the broadcasting media, among others. A better strategic outlook will, in addition, help to counter the threats of globalisation, the uncertainties of the economic climate, renewed international competition, and the challenges of globalisation. 1.3 Focus of the Territorial Report Fondazzjoni Temi Zammit (FTZ) has selected the historical centre of Valletta and specifically the area of Strait Street Strada Stretta, situated at the heart of the city, to be the focus of its project. Known as the Fortress City or Città Umilissima, this city "built by gentlemen for gentlemen" is Malta's capital. By day, it is a living, working city, serving as the administrative and commercial hub of the Islands, whereas its nightlife is slowly reawakening to transform it once again into the former throbbing entertainment mecca of its heyday. Named after its founder, Grand Master of the Order of St John, Jean Parisot de la Valette, the city grew on the arid rock of the peninsula of Mount Sceberras, rising steeply and majestically from the waters of its two deep harbours: Marsamxett on the Sliema side, and Grand Harbour facing the Three Cities. Founded in 1566, Valletta was a planned 6

7 Renaissance city, enriched with its rich baroque buildings and inspiring bastions, forts and a magnificent cathedral. Luckily, several prestigious buildings survived the heavy bombing that devastated so much of the Grand Harbour cities during the Second World War. Today, Valletta offers one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Retaining a timeless atmosphere across its grid-iron streets and airy squares, Valletta boasts of a rich heritage and culture. A baroque masterpiece in itself, it houses specimens of Europe s finest art, like its two Caravaggios, the architectural gem that is St John s Co-Cathedral, and the precious artefacts displayed in its museums and palaces. Walking around Valletta, one observes intriguing historical details around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains, architectural features and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets with their tiny old-fashioned shops and cafés, steps and balconies, contrast to the main thoroughfares lined with international branded stores, palazzos and churches. Map of the city of Valletta (Source: 7

8 This year, the new Renzo Piano-designed complex of City Gate, Parliament building and open-air theatre on the former Royal Opera House (demolished during WWII), will add new splendour to the entrance of the city. Yet, a few pockets of abandoned sites and buildings in a dangerous state still abound in peripheral or even rather central parts of the city. One such area which FTZ has chosen to tackle in this project is that of lower Strait Street, or Strada Stretta, as it is more popularly known. This former notorious alley running parallel to the main Republic Street lies abandoned since the sixties/seventies, following Independence and the departure of the British troops. 1.4 Overview of Work Package 4 Work Package 4 (WP4) consists of a strategic analysis of the territory and training to the relevant stakeholders. The coordinator of the WP has proposed the methodologies to be followed in the elaboration of the analysis being carried out and has defined a common approach for the elaboration of the materials. It will then integrate the results provided by all project partners and contribute to their elaboration. CUEBC, responsible for the training element, will oversee the implementation of training, working jointly with the other partners to obtain necessary information about specific sites. It will coordinate the elaboration of the training programme and training materials. It will also provide partners with guidelines on how to organize the local training sessions with the target groups. Moreover, it will be responsible for promotional and informative campaigns to incentivize the participation of local actors at the training sessions. Each partner will contribute with the indication of appropriate materials of study and the selection of local trainers, helping CUEBC and SGI in the activity of analysis and training, providing all the necessary information and creating an environment open and participative to the activity of research and training. Finally distance learning will be based on an online training platform belonging to Quality Program. effective execution of the training sessions. Alexandria University will ensure the 8

9 In practice, work will start with the definition of the research methodology. In this phase, a common methodology for the elaboration of the analysis will be defined by SGI and provided to the partners. Having defined the research methodology, the project will proceed with an analysis of the areas of intervention. The objective of this action is to analyse the territorial and environmental context to give a punctual and strategically oriented description of attractive factors and potentialities, the development of historical centres and their surrounding area, finding possible environmental, cultural and social criticalities. This analysis is fundamental to promote a model of sustainable development focused on RBV (Resource Based View) principles, giving strategic priority to the valorisation of endogenous potential and to the respect of limits posed by the specificity of the context. The output of the phase will be constituted, for all historical centres involved in the project, by a Territorial Report made up of a descriptive section, for the analysis of the local context, and a prescriptive section where, on the contrary, strategic indications for the elaboration of a project of tourist development will be delineated. 1.5 Tourism trends in Valletta With regards to the evolving tourism trends in the historical centre of Valletta, one observes that city tourism has been promoted and made easier in a more globalized, and for many, more prosperous world. Obstacles of many sorts that one used to encounter in the past have been dissolving, thanks to recent developments and progress across all countries. Higher disposable incomes and changing working patterns have allowed more spending on leisure travel. This encourages additional short breaks, for which cities are especially suitable with their ease of access and range of activities. Airline deregulation meant the development of low-cost carriers, introduced to Malta in the last decade, offering not only cheaper fares but denser point-to-point services. In addition, growth of the internet and of multifunctional mobile phones has made it easier to access and share official and unofficial images and commentaries on cities. Such developments have also affected tourism to the Maltese islands. 9

10 Valletta s strong image, primarily the result of its monumentality, is used to create an image of the whole nation. Valletta s tourism status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 and the various epithets that have become attached to the city are as important to the national project as they are to urban tourism. The international acknowledgment of Valletta s monumentality strengthens its role as a national symbol for the Maltese, even though such acknowledgement does not equate to a deeper knowledge of Maltese monuments for visiting tourists. Urban regeneration in Valletta picked up pace in the early 1990s, at first tackling emergency restoration works. Ongoing urban revival projects in the capital have finally started to address the long years of neglect the city has had to endure since World War II. Indeed, some of the ruins resulting from the heavy bombing suffered during the last war, such as the former Royal Opera House site, have only recently been rehabilitated. All such projects are economic in nature and therefore this provides great financial value to the businesses in the area. The regeneration spans from the Grand Harbour to the latest developments of the City Gate area, the opera house site and the former Freedom Square, now housing Renzo Piano s modern Parliament building. According to the latest statistics, the area of Valletta still suffers from population contraction. Over the last years, the city has seen serious signs of decline. For instance, the households in the capital have decreased by 14 per cent. Likewise, the number of Valletta residents eligible to vote in national or local elections, as indicated in the Electoral Register for the city, has also dropped by 20 per cent. According to the National Statistics Office, in 2011 the population of Valletta declined further to below the 6,000 mark less than a third of the post-war figure, which stood at 18,666. Moreover, the estimated number of empty dwellings stood at 30 per cent of the total dwellings, in In terms of tourism, Valletta enjoys a steady flow of visitors throughout the day, especially in summer. Indeed, almost all tourists to Malta do pay a visit to Valletta, during their stay. However, the number of tourists who actually stay in the capital city is very low, since hotels are lacking in Valletta. 10

11 An excellent opportunity for the city to showcase its heritage and culture will present itself in 2018, when Valletta will be crowned European Capital of Culture (ECoC). The Foundation that has been set up for this purpose, called V.18, is preparing a programme of events leading up to that year. In view of this, the V.18 initiative will certainly attract a great number of tourists from various countries and segments. 1 According to the Tourism Policy for the Maltese Islands , policy-makers are promoting Valletta as a short-break cultural destination by: - Creating a dedicated website for Valletta - Producing various promotional items related to Valletta and the Grand Harbour - Developing sea transport between Valletta and the three cities - Promoting the City Gate project designed by the well-known architect Renzo Piano - Restoring 6km of fortifications around the city and other important sites and buildings - Supporting Valletta as the European Capital for Culture

12 It has been estimated that when Valletta takes its place as European Capital of Culture, in 2018, visitors to the city will increase by 12%. This will therefore present an opportunity to showcase Valletta, with activities building up to that year. Such activities include a number of initiatives, foremost amongst which are plans for a Museum of Contemporary Art, to be housed in the Powerhouse near the Valletta Waterfront, and for strengthening the creative economy by creating a cultural ecosystem that will transform Malta. At the same time, the island is being promoted to encourage city breaks, especially during the winter and shoulder months. Tourism in 2012 had grown by 16% over the past five years, with record figures for total expenditure by tourists, guest nights and hotel performance. The following year, 2013, was another record year, exceeding the 2012 figures, and provisional statistics for 2014 indicate that even this year will be another tourism record year for Malta. Indeed, since 2007 (itself a record year), it was only in 2009 that tourism statistics did not report an increase, due probably to the economic downturn and crisis experienced in Malta s main tourism markets. With arrivals reaching 1.44 million in 2012 (excluding cruise passengers), the growth has been attributed mainly to the increase in scheduled air routes, from 57 in 2007 to 81 in Marketing has become more strategic, with 25% of the budget of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) being spent on online promotion throughout the year. This addressed the current trend of tourists booking just a few weeks prior to travelling, Another factor contributing to the success in tourism is attributable to the investment in product development, ranging from embellishment projects and upgrading of beaches, to the extensive restoration initiatives carried out in Valletta. MTA shifted its focus from marketing Malta as a sun and sea destination to one appealing to the cultural tourist, thus attracting tourists for weekend breaks to visit the historic cities of Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities of Cottonera throughout the year. Tourists have been spending more in Malta, while hotel occupancy rates for the island have also risen to new levels, now ranked second in Europe according to a survey by STR Global. Moreover, a survey by the Malta Hotel and Restaurants Association (MHRA) showed that hotels in the three, four and five star category had raised their profits over the past five years. 12

13 Apart from these figures, cruise liners had also brought an estimated record 607,000 passengers to the island in That year, among the main source markets, tourism from Italy, France and Spain grew by 76%, 44% and 63% respectively over the past five years. The following statistics and tables are taken from the MTA s Tourism in Malta, 2013 edition, which presents an overview of Malta s tourism performance in 2012, based on official tourism figures published by UNWTO, Eurostat and NSO, and surveys conducted by MTA s own Research Unit. The following tables provide a comparison of occupancy rates in Malta against the European average, as well as a breakdown of monthly tourist arrivals to the islands. 13

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15 The MTA surveys provide an important source of information to analyse the incoming tourism trends for Malta. One such survey is that for expenditure. If we exclude accommodation, the share of expenditure of tourists during their stay, broken down by category, was as follows in 2012: 50.4% - food and drinks, including 28.6% for restaurants; 17.7% - shopping, comprising souvenirs 7.4% and clothing 5.2%; 15.5% - recreation, of which 12.2% on excursions and site visits; 10.6% - transport, which includes vehicle hire 3.5% and public transport 3.5%; 6.3% - other expenses, amongst which tobacco products account for 2.7%. The following profile of incoming tourists emerges from the data collected by the National Statistics Office (NSO): Naturally, the absolute majority of incoming tourists travel to Malta by air (97%), with only 3% arriving by sea in Although it is to be expected that Air Malta, the national carrier, accounts for most passenger movements to or from Malta (almost half of all passenger movements %), the steady rise in the importance of low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet is impressive. Within a few years since the Maltese government took the controversial decision, in 2006, to provide incentives for the opening up of new routes, thus 15

16 attracting low cost airlines to operate to/from Malta, the share of these two airlines alone has grown to more than a third of total arrivals/departures (34.2% for the two airlines 25.4% for Ryanair and 8.8% for Easyjet). In other words, the three airlines mentioned above account for four-fifths of all air passenger movements to/from Malta (MIA Annual Statistical Summary 2012). It is interesting to compare the main sources of information quoted by tourists for their visit to Malta. In the first place, at 32% (an increase of 2% over 2007), one finds word of mouth advertising, that is, recommendations by friends or relatives. Others (28%) visited the island as repeat tourists, on the basis of their experience of a previous visit. The internet is now mentioned by 24% of incoming tourists as their main source of information for their visit, up by 6% over the figure for five years earlier. According to the MTA market profile statistics for 2012, newspaper or magazine adverts or articles (13%), travel guides (10%), tour operator brochures (10%), recommendations by travel agents (8%) and TV adverts or programmes (5%) make up the remaining sources of information that brought tourists to Malta. The MTA surveys give an indication of the main reasons quoted by tourists for visiting Malta. Apart from the general purpose, whether for holiday or on business, the surveys also indicate the main motivations behind the decision to choose Malta. The favourable climate is still the main reason given for such a choice, but the trend for this motivation is going down, as shown by comparisons for the past five years (from 58% in 2007 to 53% in 2012). Likewise, fewer tourists mentioned that they visited Malta to see a new place, highlighting the importance of attracting repeat tourists. In fact, a growing number of tourists stated that they were returning due to their experience on a previous visit. On the other hand, positive trends have been observed for tourists who are now visiting for reasons of culture and history (42% as against 39% five years earlier). Another positive aspect is that a higher proportion of tourists opted for Malta as it presented better value for money, in their view. Finally, accessibility from the visitor s region presents another growing trend for incoming tourists, justifying the importance paid to the diversification of routes and markets. 16

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18 The table above refers to the main source markets for tourism to Malta. As one may observe, the trend for visits from non-eu countries (such as Russia and the USA) is on the increase, although still low by overall figures. Analysing more deeply the segments which account for inbound tourism to Malta, one may focus on those of (1) culture, (2) sports and outdoor, (3) English language learning, and (4) business travel. For the purpose of our project, the most relevant segment is that of the cultural tourist: In the case of the sport and outdoor tourism segment, the main activities mentioned were those of walking and hiking, at 45%, and swimming, a close second at 43%. The growing niche sector of diving tourism accounts for 5% of this segment. With regards to business travel to Malta, in 2012 the main source markets were those of Italy (20%), the UK (15%), France (9%), Germany (7%) and Scandinavia (6%). 18

19 Another significant segment of tourism to Malta is that related to the learning of the English language. This segment has been consistently growing over the past few years and today constitutes an important tourism segment. It is however centred around the locations of the language schools and the tourism areas of Sliema and St Julians. 19

20 Finally, the last segment taken into account in our report is that of cruise tourism, which has been developed since the 1990s. Although these tourists hardly ever spend any nights on the island, they are important as their experience often entices them to visit Malta later on. Besides, since almost all cruise-liners berth at the cruise port of the Valletta Waterfront, tourists arriving on cruises invariably pay a visit to the historic centre of the capital. This makes such tourists relevant for our project. As stated above, the national entity responsible for incoming tourism is the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). This organisation is responsible to: Promote and advance Malta as a tourism destination Advise Government on tourism operations and to issue licences under the Malta Travel and Tourism Service Act (1999) 20

21 Contribute toward the improvement of the level of human resources in the tourism industry Advise Government on the planning and development of the tourism industry as well as on the infrastructure supporting the industry. Summing up, the overall experience of the tourists experience in Malta was rated positively by 93%, with 63% claiming that their experience was up to their expectations, while another 30% declaring that it had exceeded their expectations. For 7% of tourists, their visit was however below expectations. A graphic representation, elaborated by MTA, of the descriptions given by tourists of their experience of a visit to Malta, is the following: 21

22 2. Territorial Analysis of the Maltese Islands 2.1 Geomorphologic Characteristics Figure 2-1 The Central Mediterranean Sardinia Sicily Tunisia Malta Figure 2-1 is a map showing the geographic location of Malta in the Central Mediterranean. It is situated in the central Mediterranean sea about 100 km south of Sicily, its nearest overseas neighbour. As will be seen in the forthcoming sections of this report, Malta s position at the crossroad of the ancient world and its distinctive identity are cause for a unique mix of political, demographic and cultural heritage and infrastructure. 22

23 Figure 2-2 Malta: Political Source: National Statistics Office Figure 2-2 depicts a political map of the Maltese Islands, which is made up of the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino. The country has one NUTS region at Levels 1 and 2, and two Level 3 regions, namely MT001: Malta and MT002: Gozo and Comino. The map shows the 68 local councils or municipalities, and emphasises the built-up Greater Harbour Area around the two harbours on the north-eastern coast of Malta. This area accounts for half of the total population of the islands Geographic Description Malta is the smallest European Union member state both in terms of area and population size. Table 2-1 and shows the comprehensive geographical data for the country. It consists of an archipelago of three main islands, namely Malta, Gozo and Comino, as well as a number of smaller uninhabited islets, for a total area of 316 sq. km. (122 sq. mi.). The major cities are Valletta (the capital), Sliema and Birkirkara. 23

24 Table 2-1 Malta: geographical data Situation Area Northern latitude 36º 00' 00'' Malta square kilometres Southern latitude 35º 48' 00'' Gozo square kilometres Eastern longitude 14º 35' 00'' Comino square kilometres Western longitude 14º 10' 30'' Total square kilometres Extent maximum length Malta kilometres Gozo kilometres maximum width Malta kilometres Gozo kilometres Shoreline Malta kilometres Gozo kilometres Source: National Statistics Office Figure 2-3 indicates land use in The total built-up residential areas add up to 23% of the total, much of which consisting of non-continuous urban fabric, the infamous suburban sprawl. Another 3% is used industrially. Although 48% of the land area is agricultural and natural vegetation, agriculture does not figure as particularly important in the islands economy. Within the Maltese Islands, there are more enumerated dwellings than there are households. However, because of the substantial impact of tourism, there is a large volume of licensed self-catering accommodations. In addition to this, there is probably a similar amount of non-licensed tourist accommodation, besides an unknown number of second homes for the Maltese, which are usually sea-side resort buildings of limited space. There are also a substantial number of dwellings which are so decrepit that are unattractive even for squatters. The number of enumerated dwellings exceeds the number of households by over 20, 000. In effect, the number of dwellings that are either lived in permanently or are available for residential accommodations is less than the number of households. 24

25 Figure 2-3 Land Use in Malta 2006 Sclerophyllous vegetation 16% Mineral extraction sites 1% Continuous urban fabric 1% Non-continuous urban fabric 21% Green urban areas 1% Sparsely vegetated areas 3% Sport and leisure facilities 1% Industrial or commercial units 3% Complex cultivation patterns 3% Port areas 1% Agriculture with significant area of natural vegetation 48% Airports 1% Source: National Statistics Office Climate Malta has a Mediterranean climate, with mild wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average temperatures are 14 C in winter and 30 C in summer, yet the sea breezes make the heat generally bearable. Figures 2-4 and 2-5 are graphical representations of the maximum and minimum monthly temperatures respectively. Figure 2-6 shows the distribution of rainfall throughout the year, with the autumnal peak characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. Autumn rainstorms are often very heavy, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. The other characteristic of the Mediterranean climate, namely the peak in precipitation during spring, is entirely missing, with rainfall trailing off after January to practically nil from May through to August. The climatic pattern is termed the Warm Temperate Western Margin, and is typified by Atlantic storms reaching the islands only during the winter months. During summer, the islands are dominated by subtropical high pressure cells, with dry sinking air 25

26 capping a surface marine layer of varying humidity and making rainfall impossible or unlikely except for the occasional thunderstorm. Figure 2-4 Average Maximum Temperatures C Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Source: Meteorological Office Figure 2-5 Average Minimum Temperatures C Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year 26

27 Source: Meteorological Office Figure 2-6 Precipitation cm Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Source: Meteorological Office Geomorphology Geologically, the islands are composed almost entirely of marine sedimentary rocks, mainly various types of limestone of Oligo-Miocene age. There are also some minor quaternary deposits of terrestrial origin. The five main rock types are (in order of decreasing age): Lower Coralline Limestone which is exposed to a thickness of 140 m. This is the oldest exposed rock type in the Maltese Islands and started being laid down between million years ago. Globigerina Limestone, exposed to a thickness ranging from 23 m to 207 m and subdivided into three units (Lower, Middle and Upper Globigerina Limestone) by two pebble beds. Blue Clay, exposed to thicknesses of up to 65 m. Greensand, exposed to a maximum thickness of 12 m. 27

28 Upper Coralline Limestone, exposed to a thickness of 162 m. This formation is a complex association of limestones. Deposition of these marine sediments stopped some 10 million years ago, when the seabed rose above sea level. Localised quaternary deposits of Pleistocene age ( million years ago) occur and comprise fossil soils (palaeosols), fluvial gravels, coastal conglomerates and breccias, dunes and infillings of caves and fissures 3. Erosion of the different rock types gives a characteristic topography. Figure 2-8 depicts the geological strata of the Maltese Islands. Various thickness of upper coralline and globigerina limestone lie on an eroding layer of blue clay (the thick greyish slopes), which in turn gives way further down to layers of green sand and lower coralline limestone. Once the clay erodes completely, subsidence of the overlying strata causes large boulders to fall off and roll down to the sea. Figure 2-7 Solution subsidence structure, Gozo, Malta 3 Schembri, P. J. (1993) Physical Geography and Ecology of the Maltese Islands: A Brief Overview, Options Méditerranéennes Sér. B / n 7,

29 The geological rock formation in the Maltese archipelago has a marked impact on the coastal morphology. In addition to this, the marls and limestone offer the coast a varied range of characteristic features. Throughout time the surrounding area of the Maltese Islands has resulted in alternate uplifting of a variety of regions. Therefore, this has given the islands a tilt towards the north-east, thus forming two very distinct types of coasts. The north-eastern coast is low and deeply indented, the inlets being sunken river valleys, relics of geological eras during which Malta was joined by a land bridge to Sicily. To the southwest, the seashore is rectilinear, lacks indents, and consists of very sheer cliffs 4. There are two types of cliffs that can be found along the Maltese archipelago. Lower Coralline Limestone forms one type; inland this rock type forms a barren grey limestone platform plateaux on which karstland develops. The Globigerina Limestone, which is the most extensive exposed formation, forms a broad rolling landscape. Blue Clay slumps out from exposed faces to form 45 slopes over the underlying rock. Upper Coralline Limestone forms further massive cliffs and limestone platforms with karstic topography similar to the Lower Coralline Limestone 5. 4 Système Euro-Méditerranéen d'information sur les savoir-faire dans le Domaine de l'eau : Malta Focal Point (2009), available at 5 Schembri, P. J. (1993) Physical Geography and Ecology of the Maltese Islands: A Brief Overview, Options Méditerranéennes Sér. B / n 7,

30 Figure 2-8 Sheer cliff face at Ta' Cenc, Gozo, Malta 2.2 Natural Resources The European Commission has included 27 Maltese sites to its list of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in terms of the EU Habitats Directive, as well as 12 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in terms of the EU Wild Birds Directive, under the EU's nature protection network known as Natura 2000 (See Table 2-2 and Figures 2-9 to 2-15). The sites include 23 square kilometres of coastal cliffs that are home to numerous endemic plants like the Maltese cliff orache, Cremnophyton lanfrancoi, the rare leopard snake Elaphe situla, and seabirds such as the Yelkouan shearwater, Puffinus yelkouan. Other sites include Is-Simar and L-Għadira area, the islands of Filfla, Comino and Kemmunett, Buskett-Girgenti, the cliffs of Ta' Ċenċ, the areas of Ramla tat-torri and L-Irdum tal-madonna, Għar Dalam, Il- Ballut tal-wardija in the limits of St Paul's Bay, Miżieb and Tal-Miġnuna area 6. 6 Times of Malta Online (2008), available at Saturday, 29th March

31 Figure 2-9 Distribution of Natura 2000 Sites Source: Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), 2008 Table 2-2 List of Natura 2000 Sites Site MALTA Il-Baħar bejn Rdum Majjiesa u Ras ir-raħeb Buskett - Girgenti Area Il-Ballut (l/o Marsaxlokk) Il-Ballut tal-wardija (l/o San Pawl il-baħar) L-Għadira Area L-Għadira s-safra Għar Dalam L-Għar tal-iburdan L-Imġiebah / Tal-Miġnuna Area Il-Magħluq tal-baħar (l/o Marsaskala) Il-Maqluba (l/o Qrendi) Pembroke Area Ramla Tat-Torri / Rdum tal-madonna Area Rdumijiet ta Malta: Ir-Ramla taċ-ċirkewwa sal-ponta ta Bengħisa Rdumijiet ta Malta: Ras il-pellegrin sa Ix-Xaqqa Rdumijiet ta Malta: Ix-Xaqqa sa Wied Moqbol Is-Salini Type SAC SAC & SPA SAC SAC SAC & SPA SAC SAC SAC SAC SAC SAC SAC SAC & SPA SAC SPA SPA SAC 31

32 Is-Simar (l/o San Pawl il-baħar) Wied il-miżieb Ix-Xagħra tal-kortin SAC & SPA SAC SAC GOZO Iċ-Ċittadella Dwejra - Qawra Area, inkluż Ħaġret il-ġeneral Għajn Barrani Area Il-Qortin tal-magun u l-qortin il-kbir (l/o Nadur) Ir-Ramla Area Rdumijiet ta Għawdex: Il-Ponta ta San Dimitri sa il-ponta ta Ħarrux Rdumijiet ta Għawdex: Il-Ponta ta Ħarrux sa il-bajja tax-xlendi Rdumijiet ta Għawdex: Id-Dawra tas-sanap sa tal-ħajt Rdumijiet ta Għawdex: Ta Ċenċ Xlendi-Wied tal-kantra Area SAC SAC SAC SAC SAC SPA SPA SPA SPA SAC OTHER ISLANDS Filfla Il-Ġzejjer ta' San Pawl / Selmunett Kemmuna, Kemmunett, Il-Ħagriet ta' Bejn il-kmiemen u l-iskoll ta' Taħt il-mazz Source: Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), 2008 SAC & SPA SAC SAC & SPA Figure 2-10 Natura 2000 site: Rdum tal-madonna Source: 32

33 Figure 2-11 Natura 2000 site: L-Imġiebaħ Source: Figure 2-12 Natura 2000 site: Il-Ballut ta Marsaxlokk Source: 33

34 Figure 2-13 Natura 2000 site: Il-Buskett Source: Figure 2-14 Natura 2000 site: Id-Dwejra u il-qattara Source: 34

35 Figure 2-15 Natura 2000 site: Filfla Source: Demographic Data Socio-Political Overview Malta is a constitutional republic and a parliamentary democracy. Its strategic location has historically acted as an important attraction regarding its various rivalries, who tried to dominate the region. After gaining independence within the British Commonwealth in 1964, Malta became a republic in In 1979, with the departure of the last British soldier, the island has ceased to serve as a base and stronghold. Ethnically, the population of Malta is composed mainly of a mixture of Italian, Arab, British and Phoenician derivation. The dominant religion is Catholicism. Over the last fifty years, migration has had a considerable effect on the population growth. Malta has traditionally been a country of 35

36 emigration, particularly within the inter-war period and during the years immediately followed the Second World War. Since 1975, the island witnessed huge advancements in living standards, education, social protection and other utilities. Therefore, the number of returnees in the archipelago was higher than emigrants. Emigration has now reached a negligible level, which has an immense impact on the Maltese nation. A new phenomenon is now on the increase, namely immigration, both legal and illegal, mainly from Eastern Europe and North Africa, which is straining the country s resources and causing a degree of social upheaval in a particularly conservative and traditionalistic society. The Maltese economy consists of a mixture of public entities and private companies. Most of these companies are based on tourism and light industry. Foreign investment is forcefully encouraged on the island through fiscal incentives, grants and favourable rates Population Over a century, the total population of Malta practically doubled. The total population at the end of 2008, an estimate based on figures obtained from the 2005 Population and Housing Census, amounted to 413,609 persons per cent of these were females. This total comprises all Maltese as well as non-maltese citizens residing in Malta. The total Maltese population stood at 395,472, implying that the remaining 4.4 per cent were non- Maltese citizens. The population density in Malta is 1,309 persons per square kilometre 7, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Table 2-3 shows the population figures for the past 2 years by NUTS regions. The population is increasing by about 0.8% annually. 7 National Statistics Office (2009) Demographic Review 2008, NSO, Valletta, xvi 95p 36

37 Table 2-3 Population figures Population 2007 Population 2008 Change (%) Country Malta 410, , Region Malta 379, , Region Gozo and Comino 31,289 31, Source: National Statistics Office Spatial Organization Figure 2-16 depicts the percentage population by district. Each district is a group of distinct local councils in a particular area of the country (Table 2-4). The data indicates the presence of a very heavily populated area around the harbours, in effect about half the population residing in 27 of the total of 68 municipalities, and in a very limited area such that population densities in these localities tend to be several times higher that the national average. These municipalities are also among the oldest-dating settlements in the islands, with consistent population patterns across several centuries, as well as a long prevalence of an urban rather than a rural or village existence, and therefore these places tend to be high in cultural and artistic heritage. 37

38 Figure 2-16 Percentage population by district, 2008 Northern Harbour 29.60% Southern Harbour 19.72% Gozo and Comino 7.60% Northern 14.39% South Eastern 14.75% Western 13.95% Source: National Statistics Office 38

39 Table 2-4 Population by region, district & locality, 2008 Districts / Local Councils Population Districts / Local Councils Population Southern Harbour 81,552 Western 57,701 Valletta 6,309 Mdina 250 Birgu 2,693 Żebbuġ 11,463 Isla 3,045 Siġġiewi 8,042 Bormla 5,619 Attard 10,598 Żabbar 14,932 Balzan 3,938 Fgura 11,513 Dingli 3,366 Floriana 2,228 Iklin 3,247 Kalkara 2,880 Lija 2,877 Luqa 5,853 Rabat 11,452 Marsa 5,517 Mtarfa 2,468 Paola 8,749 Santa Luċija 3,187 Northern 59,509 Tarxien 7,724 Għargħur 2,422 Xgħajra 1,303 Mellieħa 8,033 Mġarr 3,040 Northern Harbour 122,408 Mosta 19,117 Qormi 16,647 Naxxar 12,356 Birkirkara 22,416 San Pawl il-baħar 14,541 Gżira 7,259 Ħamrun 9,465 Gozo and Comino 31,432 Msida 7,856 Rabat 6,320 Pembroke 3,036 Fontana 853 Pieta 3,871 Għajnsielem and Comino 2,654 San Ġiljan 8,186 Għarb 1,178 San Ġwann 13,121 Għasri 410 Santa Venera 6,147 Kerċem 1,677 Sliema 13,861 Munxar 1,096 Swieqi 8,676 Nadur 4,222 Ta' Xbiex 1,867 Qala 1,656 San Lawrenz 605 South Eastern 61,007 Sannat 1,777 Żejtun 11,373 Xagħra 4,031 Birżebbuġia 9,338 Xewkija 3,135 Gudja 2,902 Żebbuġ 1,818 Għaxaq 4,453 Kirkop 2,204 Marsascala 9,852 Marsaxlokk 3,277 Mqabba 3,070 Qrendi 2,560 Safi 2,020 Żurrieq 9,958 Source: National Statistics Office 39

40 2.3.4 Employment Eurostat 2009 Statistics show that Malta has the lowest employment rate among the EU member states. The Total Employment Rate (15 to 64 years) was 54.9%, compared to 64.8% for the EU 27. The male employment rate, however, fared relatively well as at 71.5% it was higher than the EU 27 average of 70.9%. The poor overall results are due to a low female employment rate of 37.6%, against the 58.8% EU 27 average. The unemployment rate in the same period was 9.7%, compared to 9.3% within the Euro area 8. Figure 2-17 depicts the relative sizes of the public and private sectors. The public sector is relatively large when compared to total employment, constituting 32.03% of all jobs (National Statistics Office, 2005 Statistics). However, targeted incentives offered to civil servants are having the desired effect of gradually reducing the public service to a more sustainable level. Figure 2-17 Relative sizes of public and private sectors Public Sector 32.03% Private Sector 67.97% Source: National Statistics Office 8 Eurostat, Quarter Statistics, available at 40

41 The comprehensive employment profile of the country by NACE Economic Activity is provided in Appendix A. Table 2-5 depicts the top 20 sectors by NACE Code, which together represent over 80% of the total employment (2005 Statistics), while Figure 2-18 is a graphical representation of the data. The profile indicates a tertiary type economy with a preponderance of services and retail, over manufacture. In fact, the latter had fuelled the economic miracle of the sixties and seventies, but is now steadily in decline, particularly in view of competition from the emerging economies of the region and beyond. Table 2-5 Top 20 NACE Code sectors NACE Code Economic Activity Total Jobs 80 Education 11, Public administration and defence; compulsory social security 10, Construction 9, Total % Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles; Repair of personal and household goods 8, Health and social work 8, Wholesale trade and commission trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles 8, Hotels and restaurants 7, Other business activities 7, Supporting and auxiliary transport activities; activities of travel agencies 3, Financial intermediation, except Insurance & pension funding 3, Manufacture of food products and beverages 3, Sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; retail sale of automotive fuel 3, Manufacture of radio, television and communication equipment and apparatus 2, Manufacture of furniture; manufacturing n.e.c. 2, Other service activities 2, Agriculture, hunting and related service activities 2, Post and telecommunications 2, Land transport; transport via pipelines 2, Manufacture of other transport equipment 2, Recreational, cultural and sporting activities 1, Source: National Statistics Office 41

42 Figure 2-18 Graphical representation of top 20 NACE Code sectors Total Jobs % NACE Code Source: National Statistics Office Employment in the cultural and arts sector (excluding the other entertainment sector) in Malta is mainly made up of part-time employment. In fact, in 2003, part-time employees, excluding voluntary workers, amounted to 63.5% of total employment in the sector; when allowing for voluntary workers full-time employees amounted to 24.4%. The remaining 42.4% worked on a part-time basis 9. In the same year (2003), entertainment activity was the sub-sector which employed the highest number of employees in this industry (60.4%), followed by radio and television which employed 26.8% of the total sectoral employment. It should be noted that entertainment activities employed the highest number of voluntary workers, making up 85.8% of the total voluntary workers in the cultural sector. This generally reflects the traditional non-commercial and amateur approach towards art sectors such as visual arts, dance, drama and opera. 9 COMPENDIUM: Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe (2009), available at 42

43 Cultural employment in the EU in 2004 accounted for 2.5% of EU total employment and, when including cultural tourism, employment in this sector goes up to 3%. In the same year, Malta's employment in the cultural sector stood at 2.1% of total employment whilst, when including cultural tourism employment, it adds up to 3.3%. This was higher than the EU average: however, this reflects the dependence of the Maltese economy on tourism 10. The first employment initiative for the cultural sector was introduced in the 2007 Budget. Persons who are employed in the public sector and who are working in a semi-professional manner in the creative spheres will now be able to request leave without pay for a definite period of time in order that they may develop or work on artistic projects. This measure will enable a number of semi-professional artists to explore the potential of a career in the creative sector without risking losing their post in the public sector Educational level Since 1946 primary schooling has been obligatory and secondary education up to the age of sixteen was made compulsory in Education is provided free of charge by the state. Moreover, both the Church and the private sector run a number of schools in Malta and Gozo. There are also two international schools. The Education level in Malta is based on the British model. Primary school lasts six years. Furthermore, pupils sit for SEC O-level examinations at the age of 16, with passes compulsory in certain subjects such as Mathematics, English and Maltese. After this stage, pupils may choose to continue their education within various state and private colleges, or else at another post-secondary institution such as the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), which provides a wide range of vocational courses targeting ongoing needs as diverse as laboratory science and aircraft maintenance. Undergraduate degrees or diplomas may be obtained at the University of Malta (U.o.M.). The university is a 400-year-old institution and the oldest university in the Commonwealth of Nations outside the UK. Over the past few years, the University has reviewed its 10 COMPENDIUM: Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe (2009), available at 43

44 structures in order to be in line with the Bologna process which envisages the establishment of the European Higher Education Area by Conscious of its public role, the University strives to create courses which are relevant and timely in response to the needs of the country. The supreme governing bodies of the University are the Council and the Senate. There are some 10,000 students including over 750 foreign/exchange students from nearly 80 different countries, following full-time or part-time degree and diploma courses, many of them run on the modular or credit system. A basic Foundation Studies Course enables international high school students who have completed their secondary or high school education overseas but who do not have the necessary entry requirements, to qualify for admission to an undergraduate degree course at the University of Malta. The University is geared towards the infrastructural and industrial needs of the country so as to provide expertise in crucial fields. Over 2,500 students graduate in various disciplines annually. There are a further 3,000 pre-tertiary students at the Junior College which is also managed by the University Conservatoires / Art schools There are a number of art schools that are run by the state or by private foundations, including The Malta School of Art, the MCAST Institute of Art and Design, and the Gozo Centre for Arts & Crafts. These entities offer courses up to the equivalent of the British equivalent O-level and A-level standards, and there is a History of Art course at university level. The MCAST institute also offers a course in restoration. However, as is the norm in the cultural field, there is little institutional provision for more advanced studies in artistic techniques, and these are carried out either abroad or else privately with established artists. The state also runs two Schools of Music, one in Malta and one in Gozo, with courses in theory and performance up to London School of Music Grade 8 level. However, these schools are not highly regarded and more serious study is usually the realm of private teachers working from home on a part-time basis. The level is particularly high, with distinctions at Diploma level and LRSM being quite common. There is no proper music conservatory, but a number of scholarships for study abroad are offered to promising 11 University of Malta, available at 44