Category: Press Releases

The Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) have launched the National Strategy for the Environment 2050 for public consultation.

A first for Malta, the National Strategy for the Environment (NSE) defines the core objectives of the country’s future actions, policy plans and investments for a better quality of life, a healthier, sustainable environment and a climate-neutral economy.

The strategy focuses on eight strategic goals, namely clean air, quality neighbourhoods, zero waste, sustainable water resources, flourishing seas, resilient land resources, thriving biodiversity and enabling the green transition.

Addressing the launch of the public consultation, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli explained that this is not just a strategy for the government. “This is a strategy for a nation. It spells out the rights and duties of everyone – individuals, localities, the public sector, voluntary organisations and the private sector – as we work together to tackle our principal environmental challenges today, so that we and our children can enjoy healthier, more sustainable lifestyles in the next three decades.”

“We want everyone to have their say and participate in this consultation. The final strategy must truly belong to us all, because only together we can give our country a greener future,” stated Minister Dalli.

She continued that the Government is already working to attain the strategy’s goals. “We are investing in decarbonisation with multi-million schemes for new renewable energy systems and incentives for electric vehicles and low-energy buildings. Earlier this year we announced Malta’s greatest ever public investment in parks, public gardens and other green spaces in our localities. We are also introducing more measures to reduce waste to landfills and to reuse and recycle. The planning of the Ecohive waste-to-energy project is at an advanced stage as well,” Minister Dalli explained.

The NSE is derived from the ‘Wellbeing First Vision for Malta’s Environment 2050’, which was adopted in November 2020. The NSE translates this vision into more specific strategic goals and objectives for the next 30 years. This strategy was drafted by ERA following an extensive consultation process with over 60 stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, the business community and the voluntary sector.

Kevin Mercieca, ERA’s Acting CEO, stated that the Authority will be focusing on the implementation of this strategy. “The NSE addresses the key drivers behind our national environmental challenges, pushing for sustainable economic growth whilst laying out what can enable the required green transition through a range of effective policy responses.”

The NSE consultation document and other related details are available at https://era.org.mt/nse2050/.

ERA invites the public to participate in this consultation process by sending feedback by email on [email protected], until Friday, 21st October 2022.

7 September 2022

St John Rescue Corps to receive financial support to restore a large 137ft reservoir which can hold some 660,000 litres of rainwater.

The first environmental regeneration project under the BELLUS call operated by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has been launched. With an investment of around €61,000 a reservoir in Fort Madliena operated by the St John Rescue Corps (SJRC) will be restored.

BELLUS – Better Environment in Our Local Urban Spaces – is a call funded by the Environment Fund of ERA. A total of €500,000 have been allocated for the call issued last year. Six projects were shortlisted, qualifying for a maximum grant of €100,000.

The project submitted by SJRC will see a much-needed stage 1 routine maintenance of a large 137ft reservoir. The reservoir can hold up to 660,000 litres of rainwater. Through this restoration, volunteers of the SRJC will use the collected rainwater to top up the fire engines in case of grass and industrial fires, and to irrigate the nearby vegetation within the fort.

This project was launched by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and Kevin Mercieca, Acting CEO of the Environment and Resource Authority (ERA).

The restoration works will involve the careful removal and disposal of the contaminated water in the reservoir, together with silt and debris settled at the bottom, hand cleaning of rock surface and power washing of inner walls and floor, the sealing of cracks and fissures and re-plastering with appropriate water-proofing methodology to prevent loss of future collected water. Other proposed works on site will include the careful removal of existing invasive vegetation which roots are damaging the structure of the reservoir.

During a visit to Fort Madliena, Minister Miriam Dalli explained that this investment will help in reusing rainwater sustainably.

“Sustainability is an essential part of each and every project. With this project, rainwater will be used to water trees and plants surrounding the Fort. But not only, as this restoration will also help St John Rescue Corps to fill up their fire trucks when their support is needed to fight fire, decreasing the impact on groundwater extraction“, Minister Miriam Dalli explained.

St John Rescue Corps Chief Operations Andrew Grech said that “St John Rescue Corps have been based at this fort for the past 35 years and we always felt the need to take care of this historic building with military architecture. In practice this project will assist in our operations, to be more efficient whilst enhancing the environment and decreasing the impact on the environment through operations and water usage.”

All these works will be closely monitored and followed-up with consultations with ERA and any other relevant entities involved.

Additional Information:

The BELLUS Call issued under the Environment Fund aims at fulfilling ERA’s goals by improving environmental conditions and raise environmental awareness.

Six projects have been chosen for funding under the BELLUS:

• St John Rescue Corps – Restoration of Fort Madliena Water reservoir, maintenance to water channels and well sump pits to ensure the free flow of rainwater into the reservoir.
• Don Bosco Foundation – Renovate one of their facilities and turn it into a green living hub.
• MCAST – Installation of 300 sqm extensive green roof on top of the new MCAST Resource Centre building.
• Żejtun Local Council – Embellishment of Ġebel San Martin Ring Road and restoration of rubble walls to preserve water in reservoirs, prevent soil erosion and flooding, protect biodiversity, and will also include the installation of benches, bins, and road lighting.
• Federation for Hunting and Conservation: Propagation of local trees, shrubs, and plants in existing nurseries at Buskett, as well as raising awareness through the involvement of the public in hands-on planting and the provision of seeds to interested citizens in a controlled manner.
• St Augustine College – Regeneration of the college’s garden, together with two areas on the roof as possible roof gardens, with the aim to engage students and raise environmental awareness.​​​

5 August 2022

A €170,000 investment by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) in a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) was launched to further strengthen enforcement in maritime activities. The RHIB was inaugurated in the presence of Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and the Environment and Resource Authority Acting CEO Kevin Mercieca.

“This €170,000 investment will enable ERA to increase its autonomy and strengthen its surveillance and monitoring within Marine Protected Area and other commercial activities such as fish farms“, said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Minister Dalli urged the public to dispose of waste responsibly.

“In summer there’s an increase of waste disposal, especially near beaches due to increased activity at sea, and when waste is disposed of irresponsibly, it will end up on our beaches leaving a negative impact on marine life. Through this investment and enforcement, ERA will continue working with other entities to raise further awareness and reduce this impact on the marine environment“, said the minister.

ERA’s Acting CEO Kevin Mercieca explained that this investment will strengthen ERA’s role in assuring surveillance in sensitive zones which fall under the legal requirements imposed by law. When issuing permits for commercial activities at sea, ERA imposes several conditions to operators which are legally binding. These conditions for their operations are intended to ensure environment protection in such activities.

“In the past weeks, 20 ERA officials were trained to operate at sea and make the necessary inspections. ERA will now be able to monitor areas which could not be reached from land“, added Mr Mercieca.

The vessel is an Altamarea WAVE27 measuring an overall length of 8.45m and is equipped with two 150HP Yamaha engines. It weighs 1,250kgs, can accommodate up to 12 passengers and is capable of reaching speeds of over 40 knots.​​

30 July 2022

A turtle nesting site has been found at Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo, making it the first recorded nest this season. Officers from the Environment and Resources Authority confirmed the turtle tracks, which were discovered early this morning by NTM Rescue Team, indicating that a turtle may have nested in the area.

ERA personnel together with Nature Trust Malta (NTM-FEE) confirmed that a turtle had laid its eggs. ERA will continue supporting NTM and the relevant stakeholders in order to ensure the protection of the nest. An Emergency Conservation Order will be issued.

The general public is encouraged to act responsibly. Excessive noise, trampling and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.

ERA would like to thank the public for support and co-operation. Any observations of turtle activity or environmental illegality should be immediately reported to ERA on 22923500 or [email protected] or to NTM. NTM are sponsored by ERA to conduct animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

Note on the species:

The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN) and is also protected by various national and international legislation. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action. Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence. In fact, the national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtles has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive.

19 July 2022

The ERA Board has approved the final assessment on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Appropriate Assessment (AA) for the redevelopment of the hotel and bungalows at San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay, in Comino.

The decision comes after the applicants made several modifications to their plans as requested by the ERA, including a reduction of the originally proposed footprint and containment of the development within the current built envelope.

The final assessment was approved during the ERA Board meeting on 15th July 2022, following a thorough analysis, discussions, and the implementation of requested changes to the original documents pertaining to this development application (PA 04777/20).

ERA’s final assessment will now be referred to the Planning Authority (PA) who will assess the proposal further and take a final decision on the respective application for development permission.

Following discussions with the ERA, the developers made amendments to their plans, including, reducing the proposed project’s footprint by 5,000m2 – almost the size of a football pitch. In fact, the most significant change from the existing scenario especially at the hotel site at San Niklaw is the restoration of land closer to the coast by shifting the building envelope inland, thus reducing the footprint at San Niklaw.

Amongst the additional changes requested by the Authority, these include: the removal of 1 pier from the 2 that were initially proposed at Santa Marija; reducing the number of bungalows to 19; removing an outhouse pavilion and concierge pavilion and the rearrangement of associated footpaths. Back of house areas have been regrouped almost entirely over existing tennis courts.

In 2021, ERA requested an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) in line with the EIA Regulations (S.L. 549.46) and an Appropriate Assessment (AA) in accordance with the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Regulations (S.L. 549.44), in view of its location within Natura 2000 sites. The Authority received the EIA and AA Reports on 20th September 2021, both of which were published for a 30-day public consultation. Thus, ERA’s assessment considers the conclusions of the EIA and AA Reports, as well as the comments received from the public concerned following consultation.

Background information:

Proposed development description: – PA 04777/20 – Proposes the demolition of an existing hotel at San Niklaw Bay and existing bungalows at Santa Marija Bay. The proposed development consists of part excavation and the construction of Class 3b Hotel (140 beds) at San Niklaw Bay area and individual serviced Bungalows (21 units) at Santa Marija Bay area with ancillary facilities and amenities including Spa (Class 3c), bars/lounges (Class 4c) and restaurants (Class 4d), upgrading the existing berthing facilities (Class 3d); construction of swimming pools; reservoirs; complete upgrade of the infrastructure systems and back of house facilities. Upgrading and reinstatement of the natural ecological and existing disturbed terrain in both San Niklaw and Santa Marija areas in accordance with the Gozo and Comino Local Plan.

15 July 2022

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has removed campers found to be in breach of regulations at the tal-Ful campsite in Comino.

Over the past few weeks, ERA officers were actively following the situation. The Authority confirms that the last semi-permanent structure was removed on Friday, thus assuring fair access to the site to all campers.

Campers on site were informed of the new regulations and asked to conform. When the campsite was upgraded, a number of semi-permanent structures were set up causing an inconvenience to other campers. Certain camps were also observed to be set up for extended periods, blocking other campers from using the site.

These rules seek to address several pertinent issues that have been noted at the campsite, including the size and types of camps which may be used and the duration which camps may be left on site.

ERA officers will continue monitoring the situation and address any illegalities.

Over the past year, ERA and Ambjent Malta carried out Rehabilitation works to give the campsite and its surroundings a new lease of life. ERA and Ambjent Malta worked together to remove illegally dumped material, installed fencing, planted several trees and carried out ground levelling.

ERA would like to remind the general public that apart from the designated zone at ‘Tal-Ful’, no camping activity can be carried out at Comino unless authorised by the Authority.

The applicable Site Rules may be viewed here.

13 June 2022

ERA Enforcement officers have moved in on a Natura 2000 site in Siggiewi after construction material was being illegally dumped in the protected area.

The action was taken after the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) received a report of extensive dumping of construction material in the Natura 2000 site in Fawwara, limits of Siggiewi.

ERA officers went immediately on site. The offender was identified and ERA proceeded to issue a Stop Order, whilst ordering the offender to remove all illegal material dumped at this site. The Authority issued conditions for the clean up and continues to monitor the site to ensure that the clean up work is carried out in line with the instructions give.

The Authority said it was committed to take further action should the offender fail to comply with instructions given.

The field in question is a Natura 2000 site housing important habitats, including garrigues (xagħri). These habitats are home to species that are unique to Malta.

Extensive dumping, on these important sites for biodiversity, damages these sensitive areas.

ERA appeals to the general public to be aware of such interventions which are harmful to the quality of the environment. Such cases can be reported via 2292 3500 or through ERA’s Customer Care online portal.

7 June 2022