Diving Strategy 2022 – One year later, disappointing results

divinginfo.mt has been in the last few weeks trying to identify the progress on the Objectives and action points that were announced as part of the “Developing a Sustainable Diving Industry in the Maltese Islands – A strategy for the future 2022” which had been announced on the 23 May 2022, in a glitzy press conference in the presence of two Ministers, those for Tourism and Gozo.

Industry, divers’ and MTA’s feedback

We have carried out discussions and interviews with multiple individuals who are involved directly or indirectly in the diving industry, as well as gathered feedback from local divers. Of course, we are always following up on news relevant to the diving scene in Malta, and by now, you have gotten used to our regular updates.

Unfortunately, despite several reminders, the Malta Tourism Authority did not provide any responses to our emails, including a mini-questionnaire based on the Objectives and specific actions announced on the strategy document. Except for an autoreply confirming the emails being received, we didn’t hear back from them. Not exactly co-operative, right?

Tracking the outcomes

For the purpose of being specific, and track progress on this “masterplan”, we have made use of Trello – a simple online tool to identify the specific objections and proposed short/long term actions and map their progress according to feedback we received. If you are savvy with this tool, or want to get your hands dirty a bit and see the following information in the same way we’re tracking it, and seeing the details of our assessment, please use this link: Trello Tracker

The results so far

In summary, especially for those who might have not read the full strategy document, the Strategy listed five principal objectives, resulting in 16 actions and 25 underlying short and long term specific actions to be undertaken.

We have assessed the progress on actions and labelled it using one of the below depending on the progress noted:

• “Zero” – no actions noted in this regard.
• “Lagging behind” – some actions noticed, but far from the objective listed.
• “Actions noted” – significant actions were noted, though not necessarily completing the objective.
• “Achieved” – where the actions have been concluded.

You are by now curious and asking… what’s the results?

Well the statistics from our Trello exercise provide us the following:

Zero progress

For 9 out of 16 actions (56%), no progress at all was noted. These include:

• Assess what shore-based infrastructure is required to support boat diving
• Establish Designated Dive Sites
• Appoint a single entity with overall responsibility for the provision and maintenance of infrastructure at Designated Shore Dive Sites in Malta
• Ensure the year-round availability of infrastructure for entering / exiting the water at the Designated Shore Dive Sites
• Improve safety and facilitate the management of the Designated Shore Dive Sites
• Undertake the necessary action to ensure and secure access to shore dive sites
• Strengthen the enforcement of regulations in respect of the ‘No Stopping Areas’ designated under the Notices to Mariners
• Employ web-based technology to improve the diving offer
• Explore the potential for developing the technical diving market

Lagging behind

In 5 out of 16 actions (31%), we have noted that some basic measures having been initiated, but still lagging behind on reaching the objective intended.

• Undertake the necessary infrastructural improvements at the Designated Shore Dive Sites
• Assess what is required to establish permanent mooring buoys at the Designated Boat Dive Sites
• Establish Marine Parks
• Promote environmental stewardship within the industry
• Raise awareness of the regulations in force which have relevance to the diving industry.

Actions noted

In 2 out of 16 actions (13%), significant actions were noted.

• Establish a training course(s) for dive instructors / dive staff locally
• Provide new dive attractions

divinginfo.mt conclusion – Where is the commitment?

The noted outcomes so far of the progress of this strategy is a disappointment for those who might have considered this to have been a way forward to improve the diving ecosystem. The most concerning point of all, is that this sector still lacks clear ownership and definition, from both an administrative, and legal standing.

The lack of a dedicated owner (or sufficient resources) to spearhead much needed changes, such as the specific action included within the strategy itself, appears to hinder the sector to address long standing issues.

Unless those in authority get moving, this strategy risks being considered another paper exercise, as was the 2012 Diving Masterplan, within which many of the actions had already been identified.

Authorities and Politicians need to move from the rhetoric “diving niche market”, “blue economy”, “sustainable tourism” , “improvement of quality of life” buzz words and start putting to fruition plans which can bring economic, social and environmental improvements rather than just lip service. Their own credibility is at stake.

What’s your thoughts? Contact us if you wish to provide feedback, or pen an opinion piece for publishing on divinginfo.mt