The Malta Sociological Association has submitted its feedback to the Government with regard to the public consultation process about the Updated Programme of Measures pursuant to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive [1] 2008/56/EC (MSFD).
The MSA noted that the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) calls for the establishment and implementation of management measures targeting the achievement or maintenance of Good Environmental Status (GES) in EU marine waters.
In this regard, the MSA has proposed that both the consultation process as well as the management measures in question incorporate social impact assessments (SIAs).
The Sociologists stressed that “these should not be one-off exercises. Instead, SIAs should be carried out through ongoing processes, conforming to international guidelines, such as those of the International Association for Impact Assessment. This comprises social-scientific methods with regard to consultation outreach.”
The MSA stated that the maritime sector is characterised by various dimensions, such ecological, economic, and social. “These should be given due consideration in the formulation and implementation of sustainable policy.”
File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary