UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
ISLANDS AND SMALL STATES INSTITUTE
MA –ISSS: SEMESTER EXAMINATION
JANUARY 2011 SESSION
ISS-5014: Environmental Planning and Management
Date: 25th January 2011
Time: 15:30 – 17:30
Answer any THREE questions. Your answers should take the form of essays. All
questions carry equal marks. Use a separate booklet for each question.
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1. Answer either 1(a) or 1(b) or 1(c):
Either:
1(a) Research entails the use of generic and specialised tools and the study of island
states is not an exception. Discuss how quantitative and GIS tools can be used to analyse
variables specific for island studies.
Or:
1(b) Government is currently preparing a revision to the legal framework for sustainable
development based on a stand-alone act that places sustainable development at the heart
of every government department and agency. On the basis of an evaluation of the
strengths and weaknesses of the current institutional framework for sustainable
development, prepare a series of recommendations that you would make to government
for an improved legal framework for sustainable development.
Or:
1(c) "Small island states need to adopt a spatial planning mindset to be able to survive in
today's world". Discuss this statement complementing it with specific examples.
2. Give an overview of the impacts of the tourism industry on the biodiversity assets of the
Maltese Islands and of ways as to how these can be mitigated.
3. What does economic theory have to say about optimal pollution levels.
4. Answer either 4(a) or 4(b):
Either:
4(a) Outline the key EU environmental policy developments for the thematic areas of
climate change and waste management.
Or:
4(b) Give an overview of the new Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC),
highlighting its salient points and the main obligations it places on European Union
Member States.
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5. Integrated coastal zone management is aimed towards ensuring sustainable use of coastal
resources. What efforts have been made by Malta to manage its coast?
6. Water is an important resource for Malta. In your opinion, how successful are the current
plans in promoting good governance of this resource to ensure sustainable use?
7. Answer either 7(a) or 7(b):
Either:
7(a) With reference to a chosen company or organisation:
(i) Provide a brief description of the related operations
(ii) Outline the main environmental aspects and impacts
(iii) Develop an environmental policy.
Or:
7(b). A town situated close to a power plant and a busy road is exceeding air quality
thresholds present in EU legislation.
(i) Provide an account of the legal obligations the country has to abide
with in this town.
(ii) Outline a number of measures which Government can implement so as to comply
with Legislation and ensure progress in reaching the air quality
targets.
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