Renewal of the current IPPC permit for AGV Non-Ferrous Malta Ltd

Here the Environment and Resources Authority is informing the public that AGV Non-Ferrous Malta Ltd. has applied for the renewal of IPPC permit application IP 0007/25 concerning the operation of a hazardous waste management facility in Kirkop, and is inviting public objections, representations, or comments as part of the consultation process under S.L. 549.77 Industrial Emissions Regulations.

In this context, the MSA strongly recommends the incorporation of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) as a core component of the permit renewal, also covering implementation, and ongoing monitoring.

The International Association for Impact Assessment defines Social Impact Assessment as “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, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes. 

The MSA's Contribution to the Public Consultation on the Update to Malta's Marine Strategy

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation on the update to Malta’s marine strategy, pursuant to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC (MSFD). The MSA strongly recommends incorporating social impact assessments to evaluate and monitor the relationship between the marine environment and social life, including the social impact on fisheries, coastal communities, tourism, and leisure activities, among others.

The International Association for 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, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

MSA's Position to the Public Consultation on the Holistic Planning Reform

 The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation on the holistic planning reform. The MSA appeals for the incorporation of social impact assessments in the reform. The International Association for 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, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

MSA's Contribution to the Public Consultation for Malta Vision 2050

 The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation on the Malta Vision 2050. The MSA strongly recommends the mainstreaming and adoption of social impact assessments as part of the Vision 2050. The International Association for 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, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

Public consultation Feedback - National Alcohol Policy

The Malta Sociological Association acknowledges the National Alcohol Policy. The MSA recommends that a structured Social Impact Assessment (SIA) framework is built into its implementation. SIA is a process for identifying, analysing, and monitoring the social consequences of policies, programmes, or projects, ensuring that decision-making accounts for how interventions affect individuals, families, communities, and social structures. It combines quantitative indicators with qualitative insights and participatory engagement to track both intended benefits and unintended consequences over time.

While the proposed monitoring mechanisms in the Policy emphasise consumption and health indicators, equal attention should be given to the social dimensions of alcohol-related harm. These include the effects of alcohol use on family dynamics, such as domestic violence and child neglect, on youth outcomes like absenteeism and early-age drinking, on workplace productivity and safety, and on community life. To this end, the MSA also advises the inclusion of stakeholder engagement, including local councils, youth organisations, and social services amongst others, ensuring that communities and affected sectors are directly involved in reviewing social outcomes and recommending adjustments.

MSA's position on the "Review of the 2006 Local Plan Policies for Rural Settlement"

The Malta Sociological Association welcomes the Planning Authority’s efforts to update and clarify the policies governing rural settlements. 

The MSA emphasises the importance of systematically incorporating Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) into the planning and approval processes for developments in rural settlements. While environmental protection is rightly foregrounded, the social dimensions of rural development — including impacts on community life, social cohesion, heritage, accessibility, and demographic sustainability — deserve equal attention.

The International Association for 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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

MSA's position on the "Partial Review of the Gozo and Comino Local Plan of 2006 for Ghajnsielem and Xewkija - Phase 2"

 The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation for phase 2 of Partial Review of Gozo and Comino Local Plan. 

The MSA reiterates its proposal for the adoption of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) that follows a comprehensive and scientific approach in conformity with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment. The International Association for 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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

MSA's Position on the "Development Planning (Procedure for Applications and their Determination) Amendment Regulations

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the Planning Authority’s proposal to add a new development type in the development planning amendment regulations, covering onshore, offshore, and greenhouse-based renewable energy projects.

To this end, the MSA calls for the mainstreaming of Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) as an integral part of the planning and evaluation process, including specific energy projects and installations. The International Association for Impact Assessment defines SIA as “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.” As an interdisciplinary, methodologically rigorous process grounded in the social sciences, SIA allows for a systematic understanding of how different communities, especially those situated n
ear or affected by projects such as renewable energy developments, experience, negotiate, and are impacted by such projects. This includes issues related to land use, visual and cultural landscapes, participation in benefit-sharing, and trust in institutions. Social impacts must be assessed and monitored as part of an ongoing, inclusive process that ensures transparency, responsiveness, and long-term social sustainability.

MSA Submits Feedback on EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation Public Consultation

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation on evaluating the Common Fisheries Policy (Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013). 

The MSA recommends that the evaluation and future revisions of the CFP Regulation integrate a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) as part of the policy process, following a comprehensive and scientific approach in line with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment.

The International Association for Impact Assessment defines Social Impact Assessment as “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 inherently interdisciplinary and relies on well-established social-scientific methods, both qualitative and quantitative.

Given that the CFP affects diverse coastal communities, labour markets, and household livelihoods, a structured SIA would provide critical insights into how policy impacts are experienced by different social groups. These assessments should not be one-off exercises but continuous processes that actively engage stakeholders and feed back into decision-making to ensure inclusive, adaptive, and effective policy implementation.

Therefore, the MSA encourages the embedding of a formal and participatory social impact assessment framework into the CFP, both for this evaluation and for future policy.

National Sexual Health Strategy - Sociologists' feedback

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) has submitted the following feedback to the European Commission about the National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030:

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation for the National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030. The MSA proposes the adoption of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), as part of this strategy, that follows a comprehensive and scientific approach in conformity with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment. The International Association for 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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

European Oceans Pact Initiative - Malta Sociologists' Feedback

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) has submitted the following feedback to the European Commission about the European Oceans Pact Initiative:

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) acknowledges the European Commission's European Oceans Pact initiative and welcomes its vision for a holistic approach to ocean management and policies affecting the EU's coastal communities. To this end, the MSA proposes the mainstreaming of Social Impact Assessments (SIAs), including its adoption within the European Oceans Pact initiative. The International Association for 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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

Link - Click here

Sociologists' feedback on the Labour Migration Policy Consultation Document

In its official feedback to the Government's Labour Migration Policy consultation document, the Malta Sociological Association emphasised the need to to mainstream social impact assessments and to embed sociological research in the policy making process. This would advance evidence-based policy making.

The feedback submitted by the Malta Sociological Association to the Government states:

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Labour Migration Policy consultation document. As an organisation committed to advancing sociological research and fostering evidence-based policymaking, we emphasise the necessity of integrating a robust social impact assessment (SIA) framework within the policy.

Mainstreaming Social Impact Assessments (SIA) in Labour Migration Policy

Labour migration has profound social, economic, and cultural implications for both migrants and host communities. While economic considerations often take centre stage in migration policymaking, it is equally critical to assess the broader social dimensions. To this end, we recommend that the policy framework explicitly mandates Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) as a standard practice throughout the policy cycle. 

This would ensure that:
- Policy formulation is informed by a comprehensive understanding of the social effects of labour migration on key areas such as community cohesion, housing, education, healthcare, and social integration.
- Implementation and monitoring include ongoing sociological research that tracks how migration policies impact both migrant workers and Maltese society over time.
- Adjustments and revisions to the policy are evidence-based, ensuring that unintended negative consequences—such as social fragmentation, exploitation, or marginalisation—are identified early and addressed effectively.

Embedding Sociological Research in Policy Design and Evaluation

To strengthen policy effectiveness and societal cohesion, MSA also advocates for a systematic incorporation of sociological research in labour migration policymaking. 

This includes:
- Pre-policy research: Conducting sociological studies to map existing migration trends, understand public attitudes, and assess sectoral labour needs beyond economic metrics.
- Continuous evaluation: Establishing research-driven mechanisms to monitor social integration, discrimination, workplace conditions, and the well-being of migrant communities.
- Community engagement: Ensuring that policy development involves consultations with diverse stakeholders, including civil society organisations, experts, migrant communities, and local residents, to promote a more inclusive and participatory approach.

Public Consultation - Villa Rosa: MSA calls for Social Impact Assessment

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation for the Partial Review of the 2006 North Harbours Local Plan for Paceville (Villa Rosa site). It welcomes the point that the review must align with the principles of sustainable development by balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social responsibility. 

To this end, the MSA proposes an additional objective, namely to ensure that development does not create negative social impacts on the community. In order to achieve this objective (and in line with objective 6), the MSA proposes the adoption of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) that follows a comprehensive and scientific approach in conformity with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment. 

The International Association for 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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

Public Consultation: Strategy for Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) 2025-30

The Malta Sociological Association submitted the following feedback to this public consultation: 

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation towards a Strategy for Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) 2025-2030. It welcomes a broader consideration of physical activity drivers and dynamics, one that goes beyond matters of urban design and physical infrastructures but takes an all-encompassing view of the social dynamics of health-enhancing physical activity. In this light, the MSA proposes the adoption of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) that follows a comprehensive and scientific approach in conformity with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment. 

The International Association for 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 follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

Children Envision Ideal Coastal Village at Malta Sociological Association’s Stand During Science in the City Festival

Valletta, 28th September – "I want to live close to the sea, with plenty of space and greenery close by." This was one of the many voices heard at the Malta Sociological Association’s (MSA) interactive stand, held in collaboration with the University of Malta during Science in the City, where children participated in designing their ideal village by the sea in Malta.  

Participants, mostly children, were invited to construct their ideal coastal community using building models on a table stand. The flexible setup included models representing key community structures like houses, places of worship, health centres, schools, residential areas, shops, supermarkets, hotels, and more. The activity allowed participants to express their vision of what an ideal living space in Malta would look like.

Some of the comments shared by the children during the activity included:

• “We don’t need another supermarket.”
• “I would encourage people to use bicycles as a method of transport.”
• “In front of the sea, floors should be recessed so more people can enjoy the Seaview.”

Facilitated by sociologists from the MSA, the activity

was a platform for exploring the ideas behind the children’s decisions, while emphasising the importance of conducting a social impact assessment at the early stages of any project. Such assessments ensure that new developments foster a sense of belonging and meet the needs of the communities that will use them.

The simple yet thought-provoking exercise sparked meaningful conversations not only among children but also with their grown-up family members. The activity successfully guided participants through the urban planning process, encouraging them to reflect on the social impact of their decisions.

Participants delved into the importance of building diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities, aligning with the festival’s theme of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.).

The Malta Sociological Association’s initiative demonstrated how even in its simplest form, engaging citizens, especially younger generations, in planning processes can foster better-designed spaces that promote well-being, environmental sustainability, and a sense of community.

For more information, please contact:

Bridget Borg Chairperson Malta Sociological Association

 chairperson.maltasociological@gmail.com

Design Your Ideal Village!

Design Your Ideal Village: Join us to build an inclusive, equitable community and discover the value of Social Impact Assessments in urban planning.

 Join us at Science in the City 2024! 

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024, 6-11pm 

Location: Triton Square, Valletta   

#ScienceInTheCity2024  #SocialImpactAssessment #Sociology #Malta #ESDW2024 

Are you ready to shape the future?  

Visit the stand of the Malta Sociological Association and the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Malta, at this year's Science in the City festival and take part in our exciting hands-on activity: 

Design Your Ideal Village

Imagine a village that champions Justice, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (J.E.D.I). Using miniature building models, you’ll have the chance to create a community that reflects your vision of a perfect, harmonious society.  

Guided by sociologists, you'll learn about the value of Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) in building equitable and inclusive communities. Discover how thoughtful planning can address societal and environmental challenges, promote fairness, and improve the quality of life for everyone. 

This activity is perfect for all ages, offering a fun and educational experience that will empower you to think critically about community development.

Through this event, the Malta Sociological Association will be participating in the following initiatives:

Science In the City, Malta

Malta’s Sustainable Development Action Days 2024
European Sustainable Development Week

Global Climate Change Week

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Link to Science in the City events, with booking options: Click here

Press Release: New local council fund should be evidence-based

The Malta Sociological Association notes the introduction of funding for local councils to make their streets less car-centric and more people-friendly. The MSA appeals to Infrastructure Malta not to rush this process, and to be guided by evidence-based policymaking.

Giving Local councils a mere six weeks to apply for funds from the Vjal Kulħadd (Everyone's Boulevard) initiative can possibly have unintended consequences due to lack of time, preparation, and studies in the drafting of proposals. For example, the sociological study of social impacts should be mainstreamed in such proposals so as to help ensure  continuous community and stakeholder involvement, which are essential components of Social Impact Assessments, and that pavements, roads, and infrastructure are as inclusive, equitable, and sustainable as possible.

The Malta Sociological Association therefore appeals for a more thorough application process for this otherwise positive policy proposal.

European Public Consultation: Digital Europe programme – interim evaluation

The Malta Sociological Association has submitted its feedback to this public consultation by the European Commission. To read MSA's comments, click here. 

Public Consultation: Malta’s Update to the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030

Malta Sociological Association feedback to this public consultation: 

The Malta Sociological Association welcomes the public consultation on the "Malta’s Update to the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030".

It notes that Malta’s final NECP update will present two scenarios 'With Existing Measures (WEM)' and 'With Planned Measures (WPM)' and that "[e]ach proposed measure will be/is being analysed from two key aspects: its investment needs and its abatement potential, allowing for the analysis of economic impacts and benefits of reducing GHG emissions along with the respective economic investment costs and operational cost/savings compared to a baseline. The lower the cost/benefit ratio, the more cost-effective the measure will be."

The MSA recommends that the analysis also include an assessment of the social impacts and benefits. This would go beyond 'social acceptability' and 'quality of life' as measured by linear quantitative metrics, but would take a more comprehensive approach which considers a wider range of potential impacts, both positive and negative, in line with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment. Indeed, the International Association for 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, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

The MSA hence recommends a social impact assessment in line with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment as part of the update to Malta's National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030.

Budget 2025 proposals - Malta Sociological Association

The Malta Sociological Association is proposing that Malta’s national budget for 2025 allocates funds as well as incentives for the mainstreaming of Social Impact Assessments in Malta’s Public and Private Sectors. This is essential for policymaking that gives priority to sustainable development.  

-          Mainstreaming SIAs for Government Entities: To embed social responsibility within public sector operations, MSA is proposing the mainstreaming of SIAs across all government entities, including Ministries, regional, and local authorities. The 2025 budget should allocate adequate funding to ensure these bodies have the necessary resources to conduct comprehensive SIAs as part of their project planning and policy-making processes. Institutionalising SIAs will enable government entities to make well-informed decisions that proactively address social impacts, enhance community wellbeing, and help ensure that public initiatives are equitable and sustainable.

 

-          In parallel, the MSA recommends the introduction of subsidies and tax relief for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to encourage the adoption of SIAs. SMEs are vital to local economies but often lack the financial capacity to thoroughly assess their social impacts. By providing targeted financial support, the government can empower SMEs to implement responsible practices, contribute positively to their communities, and align with national goals of sustainable development. This dual approach will promote social responsibility across both public and private sectors, thus help ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and beneficial to all.

The Malta Sociological Association would also like to encourage government to follow up on the public consultation on Social Impact Assessments which was launched by the Planning Authority in 2019. The following link refers: https://www.parlament.mt/media/100877/dok-57-l17.pdf

The Malta Sociological Association also notes that the University of Malta has a Masters Degree in Social Impact Assessments, which is provided by the Department of Sociology within the Faculty of Arts. This means that the country will be benefitting from a broader range of qualified practitioners in the field. More details: https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/pmasiapet4-2023-4-f/

N.B. Further documentation on Social Impact Assessments can be obtained from the following links:

https://www.iaia.org/wiki-details.php?ID=23#:~:text=Definition,processes%20invoked%20by%20those%20interventions.

https://www.iaia.org/uploads/pdf/SIA_Guidance_Document_IAIA.pdf