MaltaToday reports that the public has been given only one week to send in comments on the proposed new policy that will affect ODZ (outside development zone areas) “to facilitate the redevelopment of existing farm buildings into agro-tourism establishments or visitor attractions.” This is never going to be an easy issue. The very character of an agriturismo is such that implies preservation and utilisation of natural and environmental assets without causing any damage. Farmhouses and whole estates are adapted to be able to host a sustainable number of residents (no multiplex) who would opt to visit in order to enjoy the natural habitat as well as learn in different contexts (cooking, horse riding, nature rambles, historic visits etc).
It is of utmost importance that the excuse to “develop” (adapt) within areas that would otherwise be a no-go for the ugly word is not abused of. A policy that is aimed at encouraging agri-tourism must be holistic and also be aware of the huge potential for abuse. Whole swathes of land from Mistra to Ghasri run the risk of being cruelly exploited under some feeble excuse of “agri-tourism” conversion. This is the country where a squatting group of caravans suddenly develop “legal rights” thanks to the wheeling and dealing of consecutive governments. Can you imagine a free for all with our rural areas?
Conversions and adaptations for agri-tourism can be a gold mine as the mafia soon discovered in Sicily. EU subsidies, special permits in ODZ areas and more will attract the worst of the worst unless the policy is carefully thought out. It’s not a good start – just one week for the public to react. It seems to signal the beginning of the end of another scarce resource in Malta.
Plus ça change.
