LA 21 in an urban context : a proposal for Attard

Abstract

Sustainable development has been gaining awareness worldwide at an increasing rate throughout the past 50 years. To aid nations develop in a sustainable manner, United Nations formulated Agenda 21; a framework aimed at assisting nations in their course towards sustainable development. Local Agenda 21 emerged from Chapter 28 of said strategy which focuses on the role localities have within this framework. Through their insight into local issues and their sustainable work at a local level, they help promote sustainable development measures in localities across the globe. Although sustainable development strategies have been developed in a small number of localities in Malta, no locality has yet developed a Local Agenda 21. After observing the way the locality of Attard has developed during the past 10 years, the need for sustainable development measures for both present and future generations was greatly felt. This dissertation focuses on developing a proposal of a Local Agenda 21 for Attard, based on the environmental, social and economic needs as a characterised by residents and stakeholders of the locality. Through interaction with community members via surveys and interviews, the priority issues of the locality were brought to light. The issues that emerged requiring immediate action comprised of traffic management, parking facilities, over-development and lack of social interaction within community. These findings helped to develop a draft action plan focusing on the needs of the community of Attard. Focus groups were held to assess the acceptance of this draft action plan by society members, and assisted in providing an improved action plan approved by residents as the final result of the study.