The challenges of urban conservation in small islands : Malta and Cyprus

Abstract

"A country without a past has the emptiness of a barren continent ... and a city without old buildings is like a man without a memory ... " The Conservation of Cities, UNESCO, 1975 Throughout history, the city has and still is considered an important focal point of a country where people live, work, and spend most of their time. Cities have undergone various changes throughout history with each different era leaving its mark in some form or another. Because of this, the importance of preserving and conserving these 'marks' is becoming more prominent today. The aim of this study is to discuss the challenges of Urban Conservation in small islands with particular reference to Malta and Cyprus. This study discusses the city, urban conservation, and also highlights some of the international Charters concerning the subject of conservation. Through the distribution of a number of questionnaires to various professionals that are active within the field of urban conservation in the two islands of Malta and Cyprus, interesting light was shed on the perception these professionals have on the main challenges of urban conservation. It is hoped that through this study more light will be shed on what can be done to reduce the impacts of the current main challenges to Urban Conservation in these two islands. Ultimately, the recommendations keep in mind that Malta and Cyprus's urban environment remains an important aspect of their history and culture that should be retained for future generations to come.