Category: Press Releases

In order to implement the National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has joined forces with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in the European battle against invasive alien species as part of the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN).

As part of the work of EASIN, ‘The Invasive Alien Species in Europe’ app has been developed. This app will enable the public and researchers to report invasive alien species in Malta and the EU.

For implementation and research to be effective in both policy making and control of alien species, it is important to raise awareness and understand the distribution of alien species, their invasive potential and prioritise accordingly. The new app facilitates the dissemination of information, surveillance, the adoption of efficient measures for prevention as well as early detection and control, leading to reduction of ecological and economical damages that IAS may cause.

To this end, ERA adapted the EASIN app to the local Maltese environment with detailed information and photos of the listed plants and animals making it possible for anyone to capture images of these species and submit a report including location and any relevant complementary information, using their own mobile phones’ GPS system and camera. The application also contains basic information (description, habitats, impacts etc.) on each of the invasive alien species of EU concern, including pictures and maps showing the distribution of the various species in Europe based on validated submissions.

The EASIN app was translated into Maltese with additionally prepared factsheets for 27 species (23 flora and 4 fauna species) which are of direct interest to Malta.

ERA urges the public to start using this app which will help win the battle against invasive alien species not only in Malta, but also in Europe in general.

Further information:

The Invasive Alien Species in Europe app is available on Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.europa.publications.mygeossias&hl=en_US&gl=US

 The EASIN, or European Alien Species Information Network, was established upon the recognition of the increasing serious threat posed by alien species in Europe and facilitates the exploration of existing IAS information from a variety of distributed information sources through freely available tools and interoperable web services, compliant with internationally recognized standards. For more information visit era.org.mt

20 December 2021

The Single-Use Plastics Strategy (2021-2030) and the Long-Term Waste Management Plan 2021-2030 (LTWMP) have been published following a public consultation process.

This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia together with Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) Deputy Director Kevin Mercieca, and Director of Directorate for the Environment and Climate Change within the Ministry Ruth De brincat.

The Minister said that the shift from a linear to a circular economy is important now more than ever. “The circular economy offers opportunities for sustainable growth, better health and quality jobs, while protecting the environment and our natural resources. In every policy decision, we need to keep in mind the wellbeing of our society and our children. This is why we are implementing these ambitious measures,” Minister Farrugia said.

Single-Use Plastics Strategy (2021-2030)

Minister Farrugia explained that the SUP strategy, which includes concrete measures that will be implemented in the coming years, is based on Government’s ambition to move towards an economy that is truly circular and a society that is more conscious and responsible. In fact, Government has already started moving in this direction as earlier this year Malta became one of the first countries to stop the importation of various single-use plastic products, the sale of which will be prohibited as of next year. The Minister explained that this strategy:

• Is based on the European Commission Directive on SUPs (SUPD);
• Includes research that was conducted locally to assess the most problematic SUPs in Malta specifically;
• Carried out numerous public and stakeholder meetings to ensure everyone had the opportunity to be part of this strategy;
• Is linked to all other efforts to safeguard the environment, including protecting marine protected areas, and fits into ERA’s long-term plan — the National Strategy for the Environment (NSE);
• Gives Government a clear direction for the future with proposed goals and targets aimed at improving the local situation and further addressing this global challenge.

Long Term Waste Management Plan (2021-2030)

Regarding Malta’s long-term Waste Management Plan 2021-2030, the Minister said that this document describes the Government’s vision to make a big leap in the waste management sector. by embracing a circular approach and transforming waste into a resource.

“The main goal of the LTWMP is to move towards a circular economy: to waste less, to recycle more to decrease resource waste and give a new life to materials which so far we have been landfilling,” Minister Farrugia said, as he explained the following points:

• At the top of this plan is waste prevention. We need to reduce waste: incentivize repairs, encourage donations, make more use of digital technology, and where appropriate address processes by making them more efficient.
• We will continue to build on what we have already achieved in waste separation. Mandatory separation will be introduced so that the applicable legal framework reflects what thousands of families are already doing.
• We will reform waste collection and start collecting waste on a national schedule with modern vehicles. Our goal is to switch to a regional collection model.
• We will invest half a billion euro in four new plants at ECOHIVE to reduce landfilling. This is a critical step and we are already working hard on turning waste into resource.
• We must incentivize the separation of waste from commercial establishments so that the commercial sector will also do its part. We have provided training and will continue to be available to inform the commercial sector on waste separation. We need to address organic waste in particular in order to extract clean energy.
• Many do their best to separate waste and not pollute the environment. In fact this year was a record year for recycled waste. And in respect of this, we will step up enforcement to tackle abuse and illegal dumping.

“With this ambitious plan, which includes measures which have already began to be implemented, we will see aleap in quality in this sector. We have a long way to go, and only with everyone’s cooperation will we be able toachieve the results Malta deserves.”

7 December 2021

The Environment and Resources Authority has conducted scientific surveys in marine waters on cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and confirmed the presence of selected cetaceans in particular areas around the Maltese coast, and further monitoring studies are ongoing.

The results were published as part of Malta’s Assessment of Marine Waters. This research has shown that four whale species and four dolphin species were reported from Malta in the latest surveys.

The whales are: the Fin Whale; the Sperm Whale; the Cuvier’s Beaked Whale and the Long-Finned Pilot Whale; whilst the dolphins are: the Risso’s Dolphin; the Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin and the Bottlenose Dolphin. Most of these species are sighted at lower instances, probably due to their presence at deeper depths and their migratory nature. These also include the sperm whale, one of the largest animals that ever roamed the planet. The rare occurrence of some of these species is why it was fascinating for those who managed to sight at some whales off the Maltese coasts.

The Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin and the Bottlenose Dolphin are the most frequently recorded all year round in our waters and commonly encountered by boaters. In assessing these three species, in terms by-catch, abundance and distribution across the Maltese waters, the populations of the three dolphins were found to be stable.

Although such data indicates the populations of the key species as stable, longer term monitoring is required. ERA is investing in such issues and is undergoing further monitoring studies. This will also include the establishment and pilot implementation of a long-term strategy for marine mammals in Maltese Waters, with funds attained through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

Moreover, the Authority is also supporting ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area) on addressing underwater noise and marine litter as two major pressures on cetaceans, mainly in connection with training and exchange of knowledge. Malta shall also be hosting the ACCOBAMS 8th Meeting of the Parties (MOP8) in 2022, following Malta’s offer during MOP7, a proposal which was agreed to by all Parties to ACCOBAMS.

Ms Miraine Rizzo, an official of the Authority, noted that “Cetaceans are not only beautiful marine animals which people like to encounter, but they are also an important part of our marine ecosystems. It is within this context that we understand the need to step up the protection of such animals in Maltese marine waters and ERA is committed to continue to improve knowledge on their needs and to address human impact on such species”.

Notes:

The full report is available here.

Information on selected marine fauna, including the three regular main dolphin species in Malta can be found here.

 All marine mammals (which include dolphins, whales, the harbour porpoise and the monk seal) are strictly protected in Malta since 1992. Deliberate disturbance as well as killing such species is illegal, primarily through the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (SL 549.44). ERA coordinates a permitting system to ensure the implementation of such protection, has declared marine protected areas for such marine species, and finances rehabilitation in relation to stranded dolphins.

ACCOBAMS is the United Nations Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area. This is a legal conservation tool based on cooperation between Contracting Parties with the intent to protect cetaceans and reduce threats to cetaceans notably by improving current knowledge on these animals. Malta is contracting party to this treaty. More information is available here.

24 October 2021

Following a public consultation process, the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta (2021-2030) is being adopted by the Government.

This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia together with the Deputy Director of the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) Kevin Mercieca.

Construction and demolition waste is the largest waste stream in the EU representing around a third of all waste generated. Due to this, the EU has recognised the need for improving the quality of recycling and recovery of this waste stream and boost the demand for secondary raw materials.

The Minister said that this strategy was put together by ERA in collaboration with the Ministry in order to address this waste stream and to move towards a more circular economy.

“The strategy aims to holistically address the current issues within the sector as well as highlight the possible short term and long-term measures which may be adopted to move away from backfilling and move towards re-use and recycling. This strategy is a framework which will act as a driver intended to bring about a cultural and behavioural shift within the sector in terms of its attitude towards excavation, demolition and construction methods. In contrast to previous governments, which not only abused of, but also failed to regulate such an important sector, this government is taking courageous decisions and delivering the results which the people expect,” Minister Farrugia said.

The strategy identifies four (4) main priority areas which are crucial for the management of construction and demolition waste.

1. Planning and design: Targets the construction industry with specific measures aiming to tackle the problem at source by demolishing or constructing in a sustainable manner;
2. Waste management: Lists specific measures to improve waste logistics both at the development site as well as off-site;
3. Quality management: Focuses on measures associated with increasing the confidence in C&D waste management practices as well as improving the quality of C&D recycled materials;
4. Policy and regulatory framework: Deals with improvements in policy and framework conditions in order to break the link between development and waste generation.

The strategy will consist of a number of key measures which will be rolled out along the years. The main measures include:

1. Establishing of standards for the construction industry
2. Introduction of a new regulatory framework directed at the management of C&D waste
3. Improvement of waste classification and source separation
4. Exploration with respect to the setting-up of resource recovery and storage depots to consequently promote recycling infrastructure
5. Exploration and identification of potential mechanisms to strengthen the implementation of the polluter pays principle (PPP).
6. Setting of re-use and recycling targets
7. Enforcement of recovery through the restoration of void spaces

“As a government we are calling on competent authorities, and relevant stakeholders within the industry to commit to the implementation of this strategy. Your participation is key to its successful implementation, and in our vision towards an ecological transition and circular economy,” Minister Farrugia said.

9 October 2021

Work on a €2 million project to regenerate Spencer Garden into a sustainable and model public garden is set to commence in the coming weeks.

This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia who said that this project – which is being funded by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Ambjent Malta – is expected to be completed by late 2022. Once complete, Spencer Garden aims to offer an immersive natural experience.

Minister Farrugia explained that three tree nurseries will be built in order to grow a local tree stock for use in future projects. He said that works carried out will include the installation of new CCTV systems, the improvement of the many access points to the garden, landscaping upgrades, a new water feature, as well as the removal of invasive alien species which will be replaced by local species. “We see various social and ecological benefits to creating and improving the parks and gardens in our highly urbanised areas. Green infrastructure in general brings us closer to the natural environment and fosters a sense of community, identity and wellbeing while also bringing environmental and economic benefits to the community. Government is continuously working to improve recreational green areas”, stated the minister.

Minister Farrugia further explained that the garden will feature an innovative landscaping plan with multiple elevation changes and a green boundary wall which will serve as a sound barrier, thus helping to further enhance the feeling of being immersed in nature while also offering modern solutions such as free Wi-Fi. The garden has been designed to cater for multiple uses by the public, be it family outings, work, or for leisure and relaxation.

“Throughout the garden’s design, sustainability was put at the forefront with many measures and design features being specifically planned to enhance this. As a result, multiple water reservoirs, coupled with a rainwater catchment system, will be utilised to maintain the garden and reduce water wastage. Solar panels and energy-efficient smart lighting will be installed to both increase security and minimise energy usage”, said the minister Farrugia.

Environment and Resources Authority CEO Michelle Piccinino said that this garden is “a natural oasis in an urban area associated with traffic and industry. An oasis which will bring nature closer to our everyday life for the benefit of families and communities living in the area”. She also said that the authority decided to dedicate this oasis to Guido Lanfranco as it is believed “that this project represents his ethos – the importance of the knowledge on the natural environment and its importance to society”.

Guido Lanfranco was a pillar for the Maltese environmental community promoting not only environmental matters, but also culture, folklore, and natural history. He made invaluable contributions to environmental awareness and he transmitted this passion and love to many. His role also led to the creation of environmental institutions in Malta and also goes hand in hand with the Pope’s encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, which calls on all people to take “care of our common home.” In fact, the garden will also include a memorial referencing this encyclical.

17 September 2021

F’konferenza tal-aħbarijiet indirizzata mill-Ministri Ian Borg u Aaron Farrugia tħabbar illi fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin se tkun qed tibda riġenerazzjoni sħiħa ta’ Wied Għollieqa, dan anke bħala kumpens għall proġett tal-Kappara Junction illi tlesta ftit tas-snin ilu.

Transport Malta, li dak iż-żmien kienet inkarigata mit-twettiq ta’ dan il-proġett infrastrutturali, imbarkat fuq pjan flimkien mal-ERA sabiex tiġi implimentata din ir-rijabilitazzjoni li ilha tant mistennija, l-aktar minn dawk li jiffrekwentaw l-Università ta’ Malta. Huwa mifhum li x-xogħlijiet pjanati se jkunu qed isiru bl-għajnuna tal-Coastal u Stormwater Unit fi ħdan il-Ministeru għat-Trasport taħt il-moniteraġġ tal-ERA.

Il-Ministru għat-Trasport, Infrastruttura u Proġetti Kapitali Ian Borg spjega kif ix-xogħlijiet li se jkun qed jagħmel dan il-Unit fi ħdan il-Ministeru li huwa jmexxi se jkun qed ineħħi l-ispeċi invażivi li ħadu fil-wied biex imbagħad jibda t-tħawwil mill-ġdid ta’ speċi indiġeni fejn huwa stmat li jkun hemm 39 speċi differenti li b’kollox se jammontaw għal madwar 5,500 pjanta filwaqt li jkunu protetti dawk diġà eżistenti. Apparti minn hekk, il-Ministru Borg spjega kif se jkun mnaddaf ukoll kwalunkwe materjal mormi u anke ssir tiswija u rikostruzzjoni tal-ħitan tal-konfini, primarjament ilħitan tas-sejjieħ.

“L-għan tagħna huwa li nżidu l-ispeċi li huma nieqsa, filwaqt li nħallu spazju għal żvilupp agrikolu. Dan l-investiment ta’ €500,000 se jingħaqad ma’ bosta inizjattivi li bħala Gvern qed nieħdu sabiex insebbħu bosta żoni madwar il-pajjiż tagħna”, temm jgħid il-Ministru Borg.

Min-naħa tiegħu l-Ministru Aaron Farrugia spjega li Wied Għollieqa huwa sit sensittiv ħafna għaliex huwa żona speċjali ta’ konservazzjoni ta’ importanza nazzjonali, santwarju tal-għasafar, żona għallħarsien tas-siġar, area ta’ importanza ekoloġika kif ukoll sit ta’ importanza xjentifika. B’hekk, dan ilproġett qed isir biex jagħmel tajjeb għall-impatti li proġetti ta’ żvilupp kapaċi jkollhom fuq l-ambjent naturali. “Dan għaliex huwa d-dmir tagħna li nipproteġu l-widien u ż-żoni naturali, għal pajjiżna u għal uliedna. Il-bijodiversità u n-natura mhumiex biss xi ħaġa sabiħa li jkollna imma huma essenzjali. Essenzjali għax fuqhom tiddependi l-arja, in-nifs li nieħdu, l-ikel li nieklu, l-ekonomija tagħna u ssaħħa tagħna. Biex nipproteġu dan kollu, irridu nagħtu protezzjoni xierqa lis-siti ta’ importanza ekoloġika. B’hekk, jeħtieġ li nagħmlu mill-aħjar li nistgħu biex nissalvagwardjaw l-patrimonju ambjentali tagħna u naħdmu biex nimmitigaw l-impatti tat-tibdil fil-klima permezz ta’ inizjattivi ta’ afforestazzjoni u proġetti ekoloġiċi, kif ukoll il-immanniġġjar xieraq tal-abitat naturali,” qal il-Ministru Farrugia, filwaqt li faħħar ix-xogħol ta’ Nature Trust Malta (NTM) li jimmaniġġjaw dan is-sit permezz ta’ ftehim mal-ERA.

L-ERA bħalissa tinsab ukoll f’diskussjonijiet ma’ TM u NTM fuq il-pjan ta’ kif ser isiru x-xogħlijiet biex ikompli jiġi mħares l-ambjent waqt ix-xogħlijiet li ser isiru f’dan is-sit.

16 September 2021