Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species provides (IAS Regulations) for a set of measures to be taken across the EU in relation to Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern. Article 13 of the IAS Regulations requires Member States to identify pathways of unintentional introduction and spread of IAS of Union concern which require priority action and develop action plans to address them.
Within this context, a comprehensive analysis on the pathways of the unintentional introduction and spread of IAS of Union concern concluded that the principal mode of introduction/spread is through the escape from confinement of pet/aquarium/terrarium species. In this regard, the aim of the Action Plan Addressing Escape From Confinement of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) of Union Concern 2020 (Pets, Aquaria and Terrarium species) is to control the potential unintentional introduction of IAS of Union concern into and within Malta, especially when considering escape from confinement, with particular reference to pet, aquarium and terrarium species.
The Action Plan includes an overview of the targeted priority pathway, specific objectives and actions to be implemented with corresponding timeframes. This action plan is complementary to the National Strategy for Preventing and Mitigating the Impact of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in the Maltese Islands, and the accompanying National Codes of Good Practice.
This policy was approved in line with Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) in June 2020.
For more information on this policy, please contact [email protected]
Documents
Intent and Objectives – Consultation Brief​
Intent and Objectives​ – Public Consultation Submissions & Responses
