The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP), has launched an online public consultation on two new legislative initiatives aimed at restricting the placement on the market of certain Single-Use-Plastic (SUP) items and lightweight plastic carrier bags, in line with a 2020 Budget Measure as well as the EU SUP Directive and Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.

The overarching objective of these new legislative initiatives is to reduce the environmental impacts generated by certain SUP items and single-use lightweight plastic carrier bags, while also promoting the transition to a circular economy with more sustainable alternatives.

A Public meeting is going to be held on Thursday 12th November at 15:00hrs. Further information may be obtained from era.org.mt.

The two new legislative initiatives are available via:
https://era.org.mt/consultation-on-legislation-and-policy/
https://meae.gov.mt/en/Public_Consultations/Pages/Home.aspx

28 October 2020

​​​The Ministry will continue to invest in the work being done by Birdlife Malta on the management of two Natura 2000 sites, Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia announced.

Through an agreement signed between the Ministry, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), and Birdlife Malta, the Government is strengthening its commitment to improving the state of existing Natura 2000 sites, including the Għadira Nature Reserve and the Simar Nature Reserve.

These two sites, which are considered to be bird sanctuaries, are classified as Special Zones of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.

The Minister explained that these additional funds will improve the livelihood and propagation of protected species, including those that visit the sites such as the Mediterranean Killfish, the Maltese Painted Frog, and protected birds among others.

The interventions will include:

• The creation of a research laboratory in Simar;
• The use of new products and machinery for tree-planting;
• Installation of security cameras;
• The construction of new sanitary facilities at the Għadira site.

“Our natural heritage needs to be protected just like any other form of heritage. The extent to which future generations can enjoy our natural environment depends on how far we are willing to protect it. The purpose of these interventions being carried out around Natura 2000 sites is to protect our natural environment, ensuring the sites are kept in a good state to be enjoyed in the most sustainable way by everyone, creating a balance between the use of these sites and their conservation. With these initiatives we want to emphasize the importance of protecting the environment around us, but also ensuring that human activity does not negatively impact the quality of our biodiversity,” Minister Farrugia said.

In fact, over 13% of the land on our islands constitutes 34 Natura 2000 sites, which amounts to around 44 km2, while the marine N2K sites cover over 35.5% of Maltese waters.

This was announced during a press conference attended by representatives of BirdLife Malta, ERA, and Ambjent Malta.

26 October 2020

N.B. This press release was issued by DOI on behalf of The ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP)

Ms Jennifer Fiorentino and Mr Alfred Micallef are this year’s Buonamico Award winners. The Buonamico Award is a yearly award-giving ceremony under the patronage of H.E. President of Malta to honour individuals who have made significant contribution to our knowledge and/or management of local biodiversity and environmental resources. Giovanni Francesco Buonamico was a 17th century Maltese naturalist, whose varied intellectual interests resulted in the writing of at least four important manuscripts on natural history. These included the first flora of the Maltese Islands, the so-called “Brevis Notitia” manuscripts.

Jennifer Fiorentino started her career in science as a teacher of biology and physics at the seminary back in 1976. Throughout the years she continued her teaching at various educational levels, with her teaching General Science at Siggiewi Girls’ Secondary School (1982-1983), A level Biology at G.F. Abela Upper Secondary (1983-1995) and was Senior Lecturer in Biology at the University Junior College (1995-2018).

During the 90s she was also a part-time Coordinator of the Biological Diversity & Genetic Resources Network of the  Malta Council for Science & Technology (MCST) during which period she served as Maltese Government representative at four UN Conferences dealing with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). While at MCST, she was also involved in discussions leading to the transfer of the Argotti Botanic Gardens and Herbarium from Government to University.

For the past couple of decades she has been identifying local lichens growing mainly on rocks, trees and soil. During this time, she has authored several scientific publications and various popular articles on lichens besides delivering lectures on the subject. More recently following a request by ERA, Fiorentino has also compiled a Red List of lichens of the Maltese Islands.

Her research will ultimately lead to the publication of a much-needed new checklist of the lichens of the Maltese Islands.

Alfred Micallef also a teacher of biology, worked after hours as a lecturer of Faculty of Education within the University of Malta. While at the UOM he was involved mentoring and supervising several dissertations on various environmental educational fronts. He worked on the development and implementation of a programme of studies regarding the integration of environmental concepts in the primary school curriculum.

In 1973 during his teaching career, he introduced an extracurricular project called ‘The Science Club’.  This sought to instil in all students the application of scientific practice in all aspects of the environment through experiments, projects, tree planting and various other activities. In 1980 he received a commendation from the Commonwealth Association of Science and Mathematics educators.

Outside of his teaching career Micallef was an active member of the Teens and Twenties’ Talent Trust, where, as a particularly active volunteer he worked with other youths on beach cleaning, tree planting and afforestation project on the islands. He was also involved in the initiative which introduced bird nesting boxes in public gardens. He also worked hard together with his team to create a holistic environmental awareness amongst the public.

Perhaps the peak of Mr Micallef’s career was reached when the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme took place. This was a good opportunity for all participants, irrespective of their physical abilities, to enhance their achievements through Expedition, Skill, Service and Physical recreation, eventually reaching Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. This was done in symbiosis with Environmental Studies.

Mr Micallef is forever grateful to the hundreds of students he met throughout his teaching career, who participated in all these ventures with passion, inquisitiveness and enthusiasm.

During his speech, His Excellency Dr George Vella stated that:

“We must not forget that what happens in our country does not only affect the health and safety of our people,” said H.E. the President. “Our behaviour in everyday life – what we eat, what we buy, what we throw away, and the means of transport we choose, have as much impact as big industrial projects. We must not forget that, in order to clean the air, reduce drastic climate change, protect wildlife and the oceans, we, all of us, are responsible… This does not happen by default: in most cases, we have degraded it ourselves… it is our duty to fix it. Therefore, we need to be aware of our actions. What we destroy today will be lost forever, but what we nurture will continue to bear fruit and give us and those who come after us a better quality of life.”

Both the President of Malta, His Excellency Dr George Vella, and ERA’s Chairman, Professor Victor Axiak, congratulated the winners and their families, whilst thanking them for their priceless efforts towards the environment and for bravely spearheading initiatives that started to bring about societal change within Malta and amongst the Maltese.

26 October 2020

Following scientific assessments carried in relation to seabirds in Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority worked with other relevant entities to protect the said birds through a number of measures which have now come into force.

The Second Assessment of the Status of Seabirds in Malta, published by ERA in 2020, has shown that the status of the three main breeding seabird species in Malta is good. Current data indicates that the populations of the Mediterranean storm-petrel (il-kanġu ta’ Filfla) and the yelkouan shearwater (il-garnija) appear to be stable, with possible increases in the latter, which may be attributable to either an increased monitoring effort or conservation measures, or both. The Scopoli’s shearwater (iċ-ċiefa) also appears stable, albeit with possible declines.

The assessment is available here.

Such assessment process was also made possible with EU and national funding, including scientific research conducted through various projects. Through the results of one such project, namely the the LIFE Arċipelagu Garnija Project, the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) and Transport Malta (TM), in conjunction with BirdLife Malta (BLM) and the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP), have worked together on the development and publication of Notices to Mariners strengthening further the protection to Malta’s breeding seabird populations. The said Notices were issued by Transport Malta following discussions with ERA, following consultations with industry stakeholders so as to secure an adequate balance in relation to adequate protection to our biodiversity and minimising socio-economic impacts.

The Notices to Mariners are linked with Natura 2000 sites protected by the ERA, and shall include updates to the existing Notice to Mariners at L-Irdum tal-Madonna (off l-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa), as well as, newly proposed Notice to Mariners at the following coastal marine areas:

  • Selmunett/Il-Gżejjer ta’ San Pawl
  • Area off Il-Majjistral Park
  • Area off Miġra l-Ferħa
  • Il-Ħnejja/Blue Grotto, off iż-Żurrieq
  • Santa Marija Caves, Kemmuna
  • Area off Kemmunett
  • Area off l-Irdumjiet ta’ Ta’ Ċenċ, Għawdex
  • Area off Id-Dwejra, Għawdex

The Notices to Mariners are applicable all year round and can be found listed here.

ERA CEO emphasised how the proposed notices shall contribute further to ERA’s efforts towards the achievement of good status of the seabird populations in Malta in accordance with the requirements of the EU Birds, the Habitats and the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directives; and shall support developments as related to the management of Malta’s marine Natura 2000 network.

Since such updates assessments indicate that the implementation of selected measures in Malta have had a good impact on the seabirds status, ERA is now continuing its monitoring actions and efforts on seabirds, as part of the EMFF Marine Monitoring Project being implemented by the ERA. More information on the EMFF Project can be found here.

Note: The breeding populations of seabirds in Malta are susceptible to noise, light and other disturbances, some of which may be caused by selected activities around nesting locations. Such disturbance is known to affect adult and young birds inside the nest, impacting their survival rates and potentially leading to colony abandonment.

The research that led to the publication of these Notice to Mariners was part of the EU funded LIFE Arċipelagu Garnija project (LIFE14 NAT/MT/991), led by BirdLife (Malta) and co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE Project and the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP). Additional assessment and monitoring is being addressed through the EMFF Marine Environmental Monitoring Project towards effective management of Malta’s Marine Watera (EMFF 8.3.1), led by ERA.

14 October 2020

Photo Credits:  Joe Sultana

The Environment and Resources Authority launched its Environment Resources Information System (ERIS) – an online client interface which enables the public to apply, follow and review their applications in a transparent and efficient manner. The online system makes it easier for the public to view new permits that have been submitted through this system using the search function embedded within the portal. Moreover, the platform uses the applicant’s e-ID to login thus providing a safer login feature. The interface is available in both Maltese and English and also features an online payment system.

By introducing this system, ERA has reduced its carbon footprint even further, whilst achieving a quicker response time and reducing contact between applicants and ERA employees, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

ERIS is just another step forward for ERA, which is constantly updating its resources to keep the environment safe. ERA would like to remind the public that we are available on era.org.mt/cc and any environmental illegality should be reported immediately to ERA on 9921 0404.

Access ERIS from: https://eris.eraportal.org.mt/

12 October 2020

Today the last know turtle nest was dug up at Għadira Bay following a successful incubation period. This nest yielded a further 10 hatchlings thus bringing the nest’s total to 71 hatchlings and bringing this year’s turtle nesting season to a successful close. This summer Malta and Gozo hosted 7 nests, 3 of which went unreported up until the time of hatching.

Regrettably, the nest found at St Thomas Bay, Marsaskala and the first reported nest at Għadira Bay were mostly unsuccessful due to various factors:

      • In the case of St Thomas Bay – the low success rate can be mainly attributed to the trampling which occurred on the nest site. The site was unfortunately located in a central part of the beach, thus being exposed to heavy foot traffic. This situation demonstrates what can occur if a turtle nest is not properly protected through legal and physical on-site measures such as cordoning. In this instance protection was not given to the nest as it was not reported, hence proper measures could not have been put in place.
      • In the case of the first reported nest at Għadira Bay – the low success rate can be attributed to the heavy rainfall which was experienced nearing the end of the incubation period. The location of the nest on the beach was susceptible to flooding due to its elevation and its proximity to the path through which rainwater is discharged to the sea. While measures in the form of sandbags and gullies were put in place to mitigate possible impacts of the rain, the nest only yielded a total of 17 hatchlings.

When summed up, the nests yielded a total of 320 hatchlings, resulting in the most successful turtle nesting season in local recorded history.

ERA would like to thank NTM, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP) and all volunteers who contributed their time to achieve the protection of this species and the strengthening of marine biodiversity in Malta. ERA also thanks all other entities that contributed to this achievement.

A video of the Golden Bay hatching event is available here.
A video of one of the Għadira Bay hatching events is available here.

(Photo and Video Credits: ERA/Mark Zammit Cordina)

9 October 2020

The turtle nest at Għadira bay that was recorded in July so far yielded 16 hatchlings which emerged from their marked nest at around 9:30 yesterday evening after a successful period of incubation. The nest will be monitored over the next couple of days as further hatchlings are expected to emerge.

Nature Trust – FEE Malta (NTM) and volunteers who were present, immediately informed the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) of the event taking place and took action on the ground to guide hatchlings safely to the water’s edge.

Hatchlings are naturally attracted to moon light shining on the sea surface and their first response, upon emerging from the eggs, is to swim towards light. In view of this, ERA kickstarted its planned response to reduce disturbance from artificial light or any physical barriers at the bay so as to ensure that the hatchlings’ first journey is a successful one.

ERA would like to thank NTM, Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP), all volunteers who contributed their time to achieve the protection of this nest and the strengthening of the marine biodiversity in Malta. ERA also thanks all other entities that cooperated in this event.

23 September 2020

Għadira Turtle Nest Hatching

Photo/Video by ERA/Mark Zammit Cordina

The United Nations General Assembly has designated today, 7th September, as the International Day of Clean Air. To commemorate this important day, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) would like to reiterate its commitment towards air quality around the Maltese islands and continue raising awareness on the importance of clean air.

ERA monitors air quality every day through a network of diffusion tubes around the Maltese islands and through near real time monitoring stations in specific locations – Żejtun, Attard, Msida and Għarb. Data gathered through this equipment shows that Malta experiences the same challenges as other Member States with road traffic being the main source of air pollution. The COVID19 pandemic was an extraordinary situation in terms of air quality – Msida station experienced a drop of 50% in nitrogen dioxide levels – a marker of emissions from road traffic.

In an effort to further increase awareness and instigate change, ERA has developed the “Malta’s National Air Pollution Control Programme” – a policy that focuses on traffic measures. This policy, which is intended for key stakeholders, including the citizens, encourages the use of sustainable mobility which is key to address the situation. ERA also engages in direct promotion of citizen science activities such as the “Fair with Air” initiative which addressed school children and included air monitoring activities in schools throughout the last scholastic year.

7 September 2020

Following reports of multiple spray-painted arrows appearing at the Majjistral Park and other areas in the Maltese Islands, the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) has worked together with the Police Force on an investigation to identify the offenders.

Once identified, this morning ERA enforcement officers and the Police made the responsible party prove that the markings and signs made, which were sprayed as directional aids for a series of races, were removable by water. The event organiser, which is a French organisation, has been instructed to remove all its signs by Friday night and it is cooperating. The complete removal of these signs will be assured by the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) together with the Police Force and with the Majjistral Park rangers in relation to signs within that Park.

Further action will be considered if the signs are not removed within the stipulated timeframes.

To avoid future instances the organisers have been informed on the proper practice to be followed when organising such events.

ERA would like to recall that organised activities within protected areas under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) may require a prior permit from the Authority and organisers are encouraged to consult with ERA to determine whether a permit for their activity is required.

For further information or enquiries, one can refer to https://forms.eraportal.org.mt/customercare or contact ERA by telephone on
2292 3500.

In the case of permitting related queries or permit submissions kindly communicate via e-mail on [email protected]

26 August  2020

About 50 turtle hatchlings have emerged from the turtle nest at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) this night, after a successful period of incubation.

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), together with Nature Trust – FEE Malta (NTM) and volunteers, are on site to ensure appropriate protection to the hatchlings and to guide them safely to the water’s edge.

Hatchlings are naturally attracted to moon light shining on the sea surface and their first response, upon emerging from the eggs, is to swim towards light.

ERA would like to thank NTM, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning (MECP) and all volunteers who contributed their time to achieve the protection of this species and the strengthening of the marine biodiversity in Malta. ERA also thanks all other entities that cooperated in this event.

23 August 2020

Photos – Mark Zammit Cordina/ ERA