Five turtles released this year with 15 currently undergoing rehabilitation at Xrobb l-Għagin.

Today the successful rehabilitation of two injured turtles at the Wildlife Rehab Centre was celebrated with the release of the marine animals at Golden Bay.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, Miriam Dalli, was present for the release together with officials from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Nature Trust Malta.

“It is a delight to witness the results of the ongoing conservation efforts at the Wildlife Rehab Centre, a collaborative initiative between our environmental regulator, the Environment and Resources Authority, as well as Ambjent Malta and Nature Trust Malta,” Minister Dalli said.

“ERA retains a key role in ensuring the necessary legal protection for these marine creatures and to educate the public to care for their nests on our public beaches.”

Malta’s turtle nesting season is in full swing this summer, with four nests discovered so far. The first was at Ġnejna Bay, on Monday, 9 June. Since then, an additional nest at Għadira and two nests at Ramla Bay have been found.

Weighing in at 70kg, the release back into the sea of ‘Polly Ċensa’, as one of the turtles was named, followed a long, yet successful treatment at the Wildlife Rehab Centre after suffering the ingestion of a fishing line and hook back in August 2022. The other turtle, ‘Duka’, was found in December 2024, unable to swim due to an entanglement around both front flippers. A speedier recovery was possible since the cuts from the injuries were not too deep.

This year, five turtles have been released back into the sea so far. The Wildlife Rehab Centre continues to be a vital resource for the rehabilitation of injured marine wildlife. Thanks to Nature Trust Malta and Ambjent Malta, fifteen turtles are currently being cared for at this facility.

As more nesting episodes are expected this season, the public is urged to immediately report any sightings of turtle activity to ERA (2292 3500) or Nature Trust (9999 9505).

Turtles should not be approached or disturbed during the nesting process: disturbing or destroying turtle nests or eggs is a criminal offense, punishable by a fine ranging from €500 to €2,400 per egg.

When nests are discovered, ERA immediately cordons off the area with the assistance of Nature Trust, to ensure the site is protected.

An emergency conservation order is then issued: this legal measure ensures the nesting sites are protected from any potential disturbance or harm, and is necessary to create a safe environment for the turtles, especially during the critical nesting and hatching periods.

Loggerhead turtles are a long-living, slowly maturing species that are classified as globally endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

GET INVOLVED

Members of the public who wish to lend helping hand may also volunteer with Nature Trust to watch over the current nests with 24/7 surveillance. Contact Nature Trust via email on: [email protected] for nests in Malta and [email protected] for nests in Gozo.

The public is urged to immediately report upon any sightings of turtle activity to ERA (2292 3500) or Nature Trust (9999 9505).

30 June 2025

The fourth turtle nest of 2025 has been confirmed this morning at Ramla l-Ħamra Bay.

Info – https://www.facebook.com/era.org.mt/posts/pfbid034F6nUQr167EtD1T3w68Ed6nctUhrmPKe7y3QCxfgh3rEE7TsxDfDNYmGbFBkht9Wl

29 June 2025

2024 saw the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) achieving milestones across various environmental sectors, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustainability, regulatory practice, and thematic works.

At a glance:

  • In 2024 ERA processed over 20,000 environmental authorisations.
  • Over 4,880 enforcement cases initiated, 1,300 administrative fines issued.
  • 23% reduction in mixed waste (black bags) through waste separation campaign.
  • Malta moves closer to 30% biodiversity target of land designated Special Area of Conservation.

The Environment and Resources Authority processed well over 20,000 applications for environmental authorisations in 2024, with another 15,000 applications from 2024 and previous years determined during the same year. The figures testify to ERA’s continued importance in the vast field of environmental permitting and regulation, ranging from customs clearances of controlled products to operational permits for large industrial installations.

As detailed in its annual report for 2024, which was discussed in the House of Representatives, ERA is mitigating and preventing several environmental impacts and risks from a vast array of activities and operations.

“This is done through sustainable decisions and by integrating key environmental considerations in permits through conditions and approved technical specifications,” said ERA’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Mercieca.

With ERA now taking over the resources aspect from the Malta Resources Authority, the Environmental Permitting Unit is now responsible for processing applications for registrations related to groundwater resources and licensing of quarry operation.

The Environmental Permitting Regulations, entered into force earlier on this year, will provide more clarity in prescribing which applications will also be scrutinised by the public. “The regulations are being made to streamline, and for some sectors, replace existing permitting regimes on a multitude of operations, interventions or activities. Additionally, the regulatory scope will be extended to other areas currently unregulated,” Kevin Mercieca said.

Minister for Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli, praised ERA’s leadership and senior management in a speech to the House of Representatives discussing the annual report.
“They are a dedicated team, united by a common mission to protect the environment and ensure an environmentally sustainable quality of life for all. I thank all ERA’s employees for their dedication in safeguarding and protecting our environment – not only for today, but for future generations. ERA is showing that through sheer will and administrative rigour, we can build sturdy environmental policies.”

Over 4,880 enforcement cases

Through its Compliance and Enforcement arm, ERA investigates complaints and carries out routine inspections on many unpermitted operations harmful to the environment, from illegal dumping to wildlife trafficking. But its monitoring teams also address compliance aspects related to quarries, industrial facilities, marine issues, waste shipments, single-use plastics (SUPs), extended producer responsibility, wildlife crime investigations, activities in protected sites and biodiversity.

This enormous workload in 2024 saw well over 4,880 investigative cases, while having closed 4,238 cases in the same year, including some very complex enforcement cases spanning over multiple years.

Apart from the various enforcement tools adopted, such as Official Warnings, Stop and Compliance Orders and Court proceedings, ERA issued 1,301 administrative fines in 2024. ERA in fact directed substantial efforts and resources to reinforce compliance and enforcement, strategically targeting littering and proper waste disposal practices in Malta and Gozo.

“Our ultimate goal is to remedy environmental harm when possible and ensure that those responsible face appropriate penalties. Embracing our role as an educator, we focused on increasing awareness and compliance with environmental laws, not just with warnings or administrative fines, but also through public campaigns. Notably, we saw a significant increase in the number of fines and warnings issued compared to the previous year, especially in areas like mandatory waste separation. These warnings aim to educate the public before stricter penalties are enforced.” Kevin Mercieca said.

Further progress on implementing the national strategy on waste management, saw a notable 23% reduction in mixed waste in the first year since the introduction of mandatory waste separation regulations.

“In 2025, we look forward to focus on enhancing the management of protected areas, advancing waste separation, and recycling efforts, strengthening compliance and enforcement action, and tackling pollution, particularly through the implementation of new permitting regulation,” Kevin Mercieca said.

New Special Areas of Conservation

 ERA also registered substantial progress in environmental monitoring and plan making, with a new National Strategy on Biodiversity, and a Programme of Measures for the marine environment.  In 2024, ERA also designated new Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) of National Importance, these being Xrobb l-Għaġin, Il-Qortin ta’ Isopu, the Ħondoq ir-Rummien area, il-Ħnejja and Il-Ġebla tal-Fessej – with 13 such national sites, Malta moves closer to its EU biodiversity targets, with almost 30% land designated for protection in Malta.

ERA chairman Vincent Cassar hailed the authority’s commitment to sustainable urban renewal: a significant milestone this year was the inauguration of the regeneration project at Spencer Garden in Marsa, which spans approximately 11 acres.

“This revitalised space has been transformed into a sustainable community hub, integrating solar energy, water filtration and storage systems, and the planting of over 6,000 trees and shrubs. This project reflects our commitment to sustainable urban renewal, ensuring that environmental enhancements directly benefit our communities.”

12 June 2025

Beachgoers reminded to exercise caution around turtle nest, volunteers requested to monitor area

 Turtle nesting season in Malta officially began on Monday, 9 June, when the first nest was found at Ġnejna Bay.

The turtle nest was spotted by a team from the Cleansing Division during routine works. Upon discovery, the finding was reported to Nature Trust Malta (NTM-FEE), which is sponsored by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) to carry out wildlife rescue and rehabilitation across the Maltese islands.

Both ERA and NTM teams were on site shortly after to cordon off the area to protect the nest.

ERA will be issuing an emergency conservation order to further safeguard the site.

The loggerhead turtle, known in Maltese as il-fekruna l-komuni, is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. Classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN), the species is protected by various national and international laws.

Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited. The destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is a criminal offence, with a minimum fine of nearly €500 that goes up to nearly €2,400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild.

“Beachgoers who come across a turtle nesting are instructed to keep their distance, and to not approach the turtle. Noise and light are to be kept to a minimum. The public is urged to immediately report any sightings or turtle activity to ERA over the phone (2292 3500) or through its customer care system, or directly to NTM (9999 9505),” said ERA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Aimee Brincat.

Turtle nests are monitored 24/7 to ensure their protection. To make this possible, volunteers will be required by NTM with monitoring and other tasks related to this turtle nest.

Those who wish to volunteer are kindly asked to send an email to [email protected] for more information.


What can you do?

 When near the nests:

  • It is important to act responsibly as excessive noise, trampling, and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.


When a turtle/nest is spotted:

  • It is important that any observations of turtle activity to ERA over the phone (2292 3500) or through its customer care system, or directly to NTM (9999 9505).
  • If you come across a turtle nesting, please keep your distance, do not approach the turtle, and keep noise and light to a minimum.


How to help:

  • Turtle nests are monitored 24/7 to ensure their protection, to make this possible, volunteers will be required by NTM with monitoring and other tasks related to this turtle nest.
  • Those who wish to volunteer are kindly asked to send an email to [email protected] for more information.

9 June 2025

Four new categories added to the 2025 edition of the prestigious ERA Awards, a ceremony held under the patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono, to celebrate individuals driving meaningful environmental change.

This was announced during a visit to ERA by the President together with the Minister for the Environment Dr Miriam Dalli and Permanent Secretary Joseph Caruana, who were also given a tour of the premises and met with officers from the various departments within the Authority.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca provided an overview of the work of the Authority, outlining its growth over the past years, both in terms of numbers and challenges that it has addressed.

Mr. Mercieca, stressed that “We’re focused on ensuring that development and sustainability go hand in hand. Whether we’re carrying out environmental assessments, processing environmental permits, monitoring compliance, or enforcing regulations to protect our natural resources”.

The President commended ERA for its steadfast dedication to confront the challenges posed by environmental protection, especially considering the growing population, and the increased development, construction, and infrastructure. She thanked ERA staff for their dedication and work. “What you do is not just a duty, it’s a legacy – a legacy of environmental stewardship of benefit not only for the present but also future generations.’

The President concluded the visit by announcing ERA has introduced four new categories to the ERA Awards, previously known as the ‘Buonamico Awards’. These new categories will form part of the ERA Awards ceremony taking place later this year, and will complement the existing Buonamico and Special Recognition Awards, which celebrate environmental activism.

“Over the past few years, we’ve made some important changes. ERA has streamlined permitting processes, expanded protected areas, and increased inspections; all to safeguard our natural heritage. A practical example is the transformation of Spencer Garden. Once an underused space, it’s now a vibrant green area that our community can enjoy. In 2024, we planted over 30,000 trees and shrubs across Malta as we keep moving towards greener urban landscape. Our work is built on a simple but important principle; that the environment belongs to all of us. The environment is a Government responsibility but also a responsibility that requires input from businesses, NGOs, and local communities. That’s why the ERA Awards are being broadened with four new categories; to recognise all those who are doing their part,” Minister Dr Miriam Dalli stated.

ERA Chairman, Perit Vincent Cassar, stated that, ‘These Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of those who are determinedly working to protect and preserve our natural resources. Through their dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of a greener future, together we continue to make progress in our mission to safeguard Malta’s environment.’

The newly introduced Award categories ensue a rebranding exercise undertaken for last year’s Awards, which reflects ERA’s commitment to elevating the ERA Awards into a prominent and prestigious annual event that emphasises the importance of environmental stewardship in today’s world.

The new categories are as follows:

  • The Corporate Award for Environmental Innovation and sustainability – This award recognizes private companies that have implemented innovative initiatives contributing to environmental sustainability, supporting Malta’s national environmental objectives such as air quality, waste management, and biodiversity.
  • The Environmental Stewardship Award for Voluntary Organisations – This category honours projects led by voluntary organizations that serve as stewards of sustainability, through effective community outreach and environmental engagement.
  • The Green Public Leadership Award – This award recognizes public entities that set an example by implementing green practices, including waste reduction and sustainable mobility initiatives.
  • The Green School Scheme – Aimed at educational institutions, this scheme provides funding for projects that instil a culture of sustainability among students, particularly through nature-based eco-projects that foster hands-on environmental learning.

More information on the Awards, together with instructions on how nominations are to be submitted, is available on https://era.org.mt/era-awards/ The nomination period is currently open until 8th June 2025.

7 April