National Strategy for the Environment 2050 Public Consultation

 From: Malta Sociological Association 

To:   Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise
(​Environment & Resources Authority)​ 

Re: National Strategy for the Environment 2050 Public Consultation

Link: https://meae.gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/MECP/Pages/Consultations/NationalStrategyfortheEnvironment2050.aspx

 

With reference to the consultation in question, the Malta Sociological Association (registered VO 1323) proposes that the policy process which comprises the national strategy employs social impact assessments in an ongoing process.

 

The International Principles for Social Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”.

 

An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises: To the contrary, they should be ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

 

In this regard, you may refer to international SIA standards, for example those set by the International Association for Impact Assessment, which is accessible from this link:

 

https://www.socialimpactassessment.com/documents/IAIA%202015%20Social%20Impact%20Assessment%20guidance%20document.pdf  

 

Reference: Frank Vanclay (2003) International Principles For Social Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 21:1, 5-12, DOI: 10.3152/147154603781766491

Online Book Launch: Social Welfare Issues in Southern Europe

The Malta Sociological Association, in collaboration with the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, and the Department of  Arts, Open Communities and Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Malta, will be hosing the online book launch of 'Social Welfare Issues in Southern Europe', edited by Dr Maria Brown and Dr Michael Briguglio and published by Routledge.  

The book launch will take place online (via Zoom) on Thursday 27 October between 1730 and 1900 CET. The following authors will be discussing the book and will be answering questions from the audience: Maria Brown, Michael Briguglio, Luca Verzelloni, Carla Valadas, Joanne Cassar, Jesus Sabariego, Peter Mayo

The event will be chaired and moderated by Liliana Cumura, Bridget Borg, Maria C. Borg on behalf of the Malta Sociological Association
To register for participation in the online book launch, please fill in online form at: https://forms.gle/LNzrQAadsgwdDjRv5

More details on the book, which is available in hardback and electronic copy, and which includes a special discount through code on event poster: https://www.routledge.com/Social-Welfare-Issues-in-Southern-Europe/Brown-Briguglio/p/book/9780367206420

This volume is the first of its kind to discuss social welfare issues using case studies from a broad range of Southern European countries, both large and small, a decade after the financial crisis. It identifies similarities and differences in the ways in which Southern European countries engage with specific welfare issues and examines whether Southern European welfare is distinct from that of the rest of the continent. The book also engages with the impact of COVID-19 on the social welfare issues under investigation. The volume is divided into four sections, each examining in detail issues including employment, education, health, sexuality, globalization, social movements and migration. With its contributions from experts in the field, the volume is recommended for academics, researchers and students of sociology, social policy, economics, education, politics and social movements.

Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/3F7jqTI8I

'We the Power' documentary screening and discussion on Community Energy in Malta

As part of Global Climate Change Week 2022, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) and the Malta Sociological Association (MSA) are organising a documentary screening and discussion on the topic of community energy. The film 'We the Power' by Patagonia, chronicles local energy cooperatives as they pave the way for a renewable energy revolution and build healthier, more resilient communities.

After the film we will have a discussion on community energy in Malta, with the participation of Dr Antonia Proka from REScoop.eu, the European federation of citizen energy cooperatives, Mr Adrian Spiteri, Finance Director at AQS Med, a local renewable energy company, Dr Michael Briguglio (MSA), and Dr Suzanne Maas (FoEM). Questions, thoughts and comments from the audience are encouraged for an engaging debate.

📆 13th October │ 18:00 - 20:00

📍 British Legion Bar, Valletta 👉https://goo.gl/maps/gyzPxjpbQFarqV2g9

Entry is free, with some refreshments provided.

🤳 Registration required 👉https://foemalta.org/event/com

Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/4Uge7GJvs