Sustainable access to the cultural heritage resource in the Maltese rural landscape : challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The high density of Cultural Heritage resources in the Maltese Islands form part of a rich cultural landscape. Rural built heritage and the natural environment form part of the Maltese picturesque landscape offering space for recreational activity, und may have considerable potential for niche tourism. Access to and enjoyment of this invaluable resource in such ns small and densely inhabited archipelago is often impaired by a number of issues, mostly created by human actions. Looking at the Maltese rural landscape on a local and national level, this research has examined the range of potential and some of the problems encountered when managing accessibility and enjoyment of rural Cultural Heritage. Three areas across Malta were examined at first hand to identify strengths and weaknesses as potentially experienced by the visitor, while interviews and questionnaires with local and national authorities and other key stakeholders were undertaken in order to examine the current management practices by national and local authorities as well as Non-Governmental Organisations. A number of strengths, opportunities, weakness and threats were identified and systematically analysed. One of the more unexpected findings is that institutional and attitudinal issues, particularly the low level of cooperation and integration of efforts between different local councils, is presently one of the most damaging obstacles to development in this sector. A series of practical recommendations are made for the future development of more sustainable access.