Press Releases Archives - Page 2 of 35

Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) and Ramla l-Ħamra beaches to have designated smoking areas

As announced earlier this year, from 1 January 2026 smoking will be prohibited on two of the most popular beaches in the Maltese Islands, except in designated areas within the beaches themselves.

Smoking will be banned on two beaches — Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) in Malta and Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo — except in the designated smoking zones on the beach.

Signs at the entrances to each beach will inform the public that smoking is strictly prohibited unless it takes place in the designated smoking areas. These areas will be clearly marked with signs.

The smoking ban will be enforced by the police as well as by wardens from the Local Enforcement Systems Agency (LESA) and officials from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the Environmental Health Directorate (EHD), and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).

Anyone who breaks the rules of smoking in the areas where smoking is prohibited on these two beaches will result in a fine of €150 — no warnings will be issued.

Through this system, smokers will still be able to enjoy the beach without disturbing others. Containers will be placed in each smoking area to help keep the beach clean.

Minister for the Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli stated, “This initiative clearly emerged from several meetings and discussions I had with children. It is a concrete environmental measure aimed at addressing a persistent problem, namely cigarette butts that end up on the sand and in the sea and take many years to decompose. These butts cause serious harm to the marine ecosystem and sea life. Through this pilot project, we are taking an important step towards a cleaner and healthier coastal environment. This is another example of how we are working in a concrete way to protect our maritime environment.”

For his part, the Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, expressed his satisfaction with the prohibition of smoking on a number of beaches. Dr Abela explained that this measure will help achieve three very important goals: safeguarding the lives and health of the Maltese and Gozitan people, protecting the natural heritage of our country, and preserving the environment. “I am confident that this measure will help and be beneficial to citizens’ health when they visit these beautiful beaches,” concluded Minister Abela.

Kevin Mercieca, ERA Chief Executive Officer said, “Designated smoking areas allow us to better protect the coastal environment by reducing waste and plastic pollution that damage our marine ecosystems.”

Photos: MEEC

29 December 2026

Secondary school students engage in an educational session with the environmental regulator

St Paul’s Islands (Selmunett) and the stretch of cliffs from iċ-Ċumnija to ix-Xaqqa have officially been declared Special Protection Areas (SPA), strengthening their existing status as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). This upgraded status gives the two sites stronger legal safeguards to protect important wildlife, habitats and natural landscapes.

In total, this adds another 1.25 million square meters to the country’s list of Special Protection Areas — the size of about 175 football grounds.

This emerged during an educational session at Ġnien Spencer in Marsa with secondary school students, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), and the Minister for the Environment, Dr Miriam Dalli.

Through this designation, Malta is showing in practice its commitment to protect around 30% of the land under various environmental regulations.

During the session, the students engaged in different activities, learning how environmental protection works in practice and how it is implemented across the Maltese Islands to ensure that vulnerable species and habitats receive the attention and care they require.

“We are expanding our network of protected natural areas and strengthening safeguards for vulnerable species. The protection of these two sites contributes to our national biodiversity goals and aligns with our commitments under European and global sustainability frameworks,” the Minister stated.

Across Malta and Gozo, there are several types of protected natural areas, including Nature Reserves, Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Scientific Importance (SSI). Each designation reflects the ecological value of the site and the level of protection required. The SPA status is one of the strongest forms of protection within the Natura 2000 network, providing enhanced legal safeguards and dedicated conservation measures.

Darrin Stevens, the Director for Environment & Resources within ERA, noted that ERA remain committed to working closely with all relevant entities, NGOs and the public to ensure the effective implementation of these measures.

The decision to declare these two sites as SPAs follows scientific research by BirdLife Malta through the LIFE PanPuffinus project, which confirmed an important breeding population of the Yelkouan shearwater (il-garnija). This seabird is protected under Maltese and EU law. The new designation means that conservation actions focused on this species will now be formally incorporated into site management plans, supported by ongoing collaboration between ERA, environmental NGOs, research partners and local stakeholders.

During the education session, students from St Margaret College Ġużeppi Despott Secondary School (Verdala, Cospicua) and St Ġorġ Preca College Ħamrun Secondary School participated in interactive quizzes, case studies and role-play exercises exploring the importance of protected areas and the work being done to safeguard Malta’s natural heritage. The activities emphasised how evidence-based conservation, public participation and learning opportunities play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future.

23 November 2025

Balloons and confetti are part of life’s colourful moments, but when released into the sky, the plastic ones don’t just “float away”… they come back down as litter that harms our seas, and our wildlife.

Following consultation with the public and the stakeholders, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has introduced new regulations to reduce the impacts of these products.

Under the new rules:
– No more open-air release of any type of balloons.
– No more open-air release of plastic confetti.
– No more selling or using plastic confetti (after a 6-month transition).

Good to Know:
– These regulations will come into force in 2 months time.
– Balloons can be used for celebrations: they just need to be weighted down.

These changes are part of Malta’s ongoing effort to reduce plastic litter and keep our island clean and beautiful!

View the regulations here :
– https://legislation.mt/eli/ln/2025/273/eng
– https://legislation.mt/eli/ln/2025/272/eng

28 November 2025

Legal Notice introducing smoking ban at two Natura 2000 beaches is published

A ban on smoking at two of Malta’s most popular beaches will take effect from 1 January 2026, in what is a decisive step to improve people’s health and reduce tobacco-related litter on coastal areas.

The ban on smoking will apply at Golden Bay (il-Bajja tal-Mixquqa) in Malta and Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo, as per Smoking Control on Beaches Regulations, 2025 published on 23^rd September 2025.

“This measure is part of a pilot project aimed at ensuring cleaner air, safer public spaces, and a healthier coastal environment. Smokers may still smoke within the designated smoking areas, ensuring that the rights of all visitors are respected,” said Kevin Mercieca, CEO at the Environment and Resources Authority.

The Smoking Control on Beaches Regulations includes maps of the two beaches, showing the areas designated as no-smoking zones. Smoking areas will be clearly marked and identified on the sites. The move also reinforces a nationwide ban, introduced 20 years ago, on smoking on all public transport, within all indoor public places and workplaces, schoolyards, playgrounds, and public gardens with play equipment for children.

The Superintendence of Public Health explained that the initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to protect people from passive smoke.

“As part of our comprehensive tobacco strategy, the introduction of a smoking ban at Golden Bay and Ramla l-Ħamra is a significant step towards improving public health. This measure will substantially reduce exposure to harmful second-hand smoke, which is known to cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other serious health conditions,” Prof. Charmaine Gauci said. “This initiative is a crucial part of our commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing tobacco and other product-related illnesses, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for everyone.”

ERA honours environmental campaigners and green leaders with new awards

Environmental journalist Anne Zammit honoured with ERA’s Buonamico Award – four new awards introduced in 2025 edition

The Environment and Resources Authority honoured one of Malta’s long-standing environmental journalists with the Buonamico Award, which recognises individuals whose actions benefit the environment.

The ERA Awards, organised by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) at the Verdala Castle, under the patronage of H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, spotlight individuals driving meaningful environmental change.

Anne Zammit (b.1953), an active member of Maltese environmental NGOs since her permanent move to the island in 1971, was awarded the Buonamico Award for her journalism on environmental matters, which until 2019 appeared as a bi-weekly column in The Sunday Times of Malta.

Once in Malta she fully immersed herself in conservation, joining local environmental societies, organising clean-up campaigns and launching environmental publications. She also became a member of the Malta Society for the Study and Conservation of Nature and the Malta Ornithological Society – later BirdLife.

During her speech after awarding the Buonamico Award to Anne Zammit, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, recognised ERA’s role in promoting the conservation and safeguarding the local environment, and its efforts to create a generational change in mentality by fostering commitments to ERA’s mission from all sectors of society.

The President also emphasised the importance of ongoing discussion in Malta to engage and promote active and continuous interchange with citizens in the decision making process that directly impacts our natural and urban environment. It is this interchange that guarantees participation by the populace in decision making processes.

Nature educationalist Saviour Bonnici was awarded with the Special Recognition Award, for his indefatigable role in producing the documentary TV programme ‘Natura Maltija – WildLife Malta’ – now in its 12th year of production. His footage of rare sightings of Maltese weasels or the hatching of loggerhead turtle eggs have reached thousands of Maltese viewers and are used at the school he works in for the pilot subject of Nature Education.

ERA chairman Vincent Cassar hailed this year’s edition of the ERA awards as a special one, with four new awards introduced to recognise people and organisations for their contribution to Maltese biodiversity and environment, apart from the Special Recognition Award, which was introduced in the 2024 edition.

“The variety of projects and initiatives, as well as the diversity of our awardees, confirms the many different facets of the lived experience that is the environment, and the biodiversity that ERA strives to protect,” Vincent Cassar said.

The semiconductor giant STMicroelectronics Malta was awarded the Corporate Award for Environmental Innovation and Sustainability, for having saved over 100,000 cubic metres of raw water consumption through the recycling of industrial wastewater and domestic sewage, instead of being discharged into the public sewer system.

BirdLife Malta was honoured with the Environmental Stewardship Award, having led the restoration of the Salina Wetland, one of Malta’s rarest and most ecologically significant coastal habitats. The 11,300-sq.m wetland was restored following the removal of invasive plant species in favour of indigenous vegetation: in a landmark outcome, the Reed Warbler successfully bred in the area following an absence of 13 years – a clear indicator of improved habitat conditions.

The Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools received the Green Public Leadership Award for its redevelopment of Msida’s Achille Ferris Primary School, which was reborn as a greener, community-friendly space with new facilities, outdoor areas, and sustainability at its heart.

The St Dorothy’s Senior School in Ħaż-Żebbuġ was awarded the Green School ward for its EkoSkola committee. Awarded six consecutive green flags for its waste separation and food waste projects, the school has now developed organic farming methods for its vegetable patch. As the Award winners in this category ERA will be funding the school’s future project up to 10,000 euro.

Through this support the school intends to carry out restoration on an abandoned greenhouse and invest in systems to bring an old reservoir back into use. This will move their plans from paper to reality and they will be able to grow food in a truly sustainable way, while continuing to educate all students about eco-conscious agriculture, the impact of certain agricultural practices.

28 August 2025

The first turtle nest of 2025 (Ġnejna) has fully hatched.

More Info is available here : https://www.facebook.com/era.org.mt/posts/pfbid02NgqBvAxfUy5H4KXJ7Q84AihUWdTcCo3EXcDS7dHhvmy7PKa7PCSzdiA6kMSUidXGl

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

Info – https://www.facebook.com/era.org.mt/posts/pfbid02YyfRCp2bfV6gwnZQgW5JrkZPvWEdMcBu5XU1EjSUE9n2Fe4cqSgV6satXJS7r5ZUl

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

Info – https://www.facebook.com/era.org.mt/posts/pfbid02H7LnUhN1BNALqR1bCyGY3R4gAWBM8bj6Z19mds1TxoQBPJnoNerzNPKQhjteSHLpl

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