The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the stress test of the Birds and Habitats Directives and recommends that any review strengthen implementation while maintaining the Directives' high level of environmental protection. The MSA recommends mainstreaming Social Impact Assessment (SIA) alongside ecological and economic considerations, recognising that biodiversity conservation has important implications for communities, livelihoods, health, cultural heritage and quality of life. The review should strengthen stakeholder participation, policy coherence and evidence-informed decision-making, while giving particular attention to small island states and coastal communities, where environmental and social systems are closely interconnected. Simplification should improve implementation without weakening environmental safeguards or social sustainability.
.jpg)