The Ministry for the Environment and the Environment Resources Authority (ERA) have announced a reform in environmental permits, with the new regulations set to be published in the coming days.

During a press briefing led by the Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, and ERA’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Mercieca, journalists were given a detailed explanation of the new regulations, which build upon the Environmental Protection Act. The regulations are being published following a public consultation process and an evaluation of the feedback received by the environmental authority.

The new legislation represents a significant step forward in raising environmental standards, with three key objectives:

• Regulating and enforcing higher standards for a range of operations and activities. Some operations and activities will be regulated for the first time.
• Enhancing citizen participation and their right to be involved in the process. The new regulations provide greater clarity on applicable procedures and improved access to justice regarding related decisions.
• Creating a fairer playing field among different operators. Those who invest in higher environmental standards will not be placed at a disadvantage compared to competitors who pay less attention to environmental responsibilities.

Minister Miriam Dalli explained, “Our guiding principle was to ensure greater public involvement in the issuance of environmental permits. We are granting new rights, not just in principle but also in practice. We want to strike a balance between necessary activities carried out sustainably and with respect for public concerns and priorities. ERA will achieve this by enforcing stronger environmental standards in the permitting process.”

The new regulations will lead to several decisions to be taken publicly, as required by law, and these decisions will be published on the Authority’s website. Currently, public consultation is only required for applications related to industrial operations that fall under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) category. This will now be expanded to include many other operations and activities listed in the schedules.

Kevin Mercieca, CEO of ERA, stated, “These regulations are a major step forward in environmental protection, fulfilling one of the Authority’s key goals; to establish a strong environmental permitting process that recognizes those who invest in higher environmental standards while also giving citizens the opportunity to fully participate in the process. This is a clear sign of our commitment to strengthening environmental protection.”

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) hosted a Seminar on Waste Management which brought together various government entities, stakeholders and Regional and Local Councils. The seminar served as an important platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and facilitate collaboration, further strengthening ERA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Building upon the success of previous seminars organised by ERA, the event featured a series of presentations by ERA and invited stakeholders. Notable contributions included the Local Enforcement System Agency (LESA), Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) sharing its role in promoting sustainability within the sector and Community Police emphasizing the importance of community involvement to maintaining cleanliness in local communities. The Koperattiva Għawdxija tal-Indafa Pubblika Limitata (KIP Gozo) was also invited to share their bespoke system as a case of good practice in the collection of waste from Gozitan commercial establishments, most of which operating within the catering industry.

Through the discussions ERA provided various updates on key areas such as ERA’s general functions and responsibilities, while also focussing further on permitting, compliance and enforcement which are key topics in the area of waste management.

Apart from the enforcement action undertaken by the Police and LESA, ERA conducted 5,632 shifts on litter enforcement throughout 2024. These inspections resulted in 1,073 administrative fines for non-compliance to the National Waste Collection Schedule together with 1,014 official warnings for lack of compliance to Mandatory Separation legislation. This represents an increase in the number of litter fines over previous years, indicating the effectiveness of the risk-based approach adopted by ERA towards litter waste enforcement.

Apart from litter enforcement, ERA shared the results attained on other waste illegalities throughout 2024, namely the issuance of 135 fines on waste carriers, 12 fines on waste dumping and 15 fines on incineration of waste.

These statistics exclude the various enforcement actions taken by ERA on other wide ranging environmental responsibilities regulated by the Authority such as, inter alia, enforcement action on facilities requiring an environmental permit, enforcement on the trade of protected species, extended producer responsibility and environmental damage to protected areas, habitat and protected trees.

The seminar provided an invaluable opportunity for local and regional councils to voice their concerns, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of waste management practices. ERA remains committed to fostering collaboration and enhancing waste management strategies through continued outreach and partnerships. ERA looks forward to further strengthening its relationships with stakeholders and continuing to improve waste management efforts in the years ahead.

4 March

Malta to continue safeguarding seas through new EU-funded conservation project

Our country to benefit from €2 million investment

During a press conference, the Environment Ministry and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) launched a new project, “Marine Conservation – An Inclusive Approach to Managing Marine Resources”, with a total budget of €2.01 million co-financed by EU funds. The aim of the project is to have a healthier marine environment, benefiting families, fishers, and local communities alike.

Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli said “Through this project, we are investing in both our environment and our people. Protecting marine habitats and species means safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing and tourism, while also ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy our seas for years to come.”

The Minister continued that by implementing adopted measures and strengthening community outreach, the project seeks to secure Malta’s marine heritage for present and future generations, delivering cleaner waters, healthier marine biodiversity, safeguarding fisheries, and a sustainable advancement in favour of the natural environment.

This project is funded under Malta’s European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027. In collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources Malta, Transport Malta, Ambjent Malta, BirdLife Malta, and Nature Trust Malta, this project will focus on five key pillars:

• Sustainable use to balancing economic and recreational activities with the health of marine life.
• Restoration to revive damaged habitats so that marine species can thrive once again.
• Stakeholder engagement to involve fishers, businesses, local communities, and other key stakeholders in shaping the implementation of the conservation measures.
• Capacity building to equip authorities and citizens with the knowledge and resources to protect marine areas effectively.
• Awareness raising to encourage responsible practices and fostering a culture of stewardship for Malta’s coastal waters.

From his end, Kevin Mercieca, ERA CEO said “Through this project we are focusing on the future of our marine environment, in line with ERA’s mission to safeguard the environment for a sustainable quality of life. Our approach will centre on responsible, sustainable use, striving for a future where the needs of society and the environment are in balance.”

More information on this project can be found on https://era.org.mt/projects/emfaf/

21 February 25

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) welcomes the significant progress in recycling efforts across Malta in 2023, highlighting positive trends in sustainability and resource recovery.

Data issued by the National Statistics Office shows significant progress in waste treatment and recycling. A total of 2.6 million tonnes of waste were treated, representing a 3.1% increase from 2022. Recycling efforts have been particularly encouraging in facilities located in Malta and abroad with an increase of 7.8% and 12.6%, respectively. Whilst the highest increases were noted for waste from construction and demolition, the most notable decreases came from household waste. The NSO data shows that a nearly 10% reduction in waste from households was registered.

“This is an encouraging sign of how the public is increasingly adopting waste-reduction and proper waste separation practices,” ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca said.

Over 41,000 tonnes of waste were disposed of in 2023 through the civic amenity sites —an increase from the 34,000 tonnes collected in the previous year.

Malta is implementing the Long-Term Waste Management Plan 2021-2030, the key objectives of which include waste reduction, the upgrading of waste management infrastructure, and enhancing recycling while reducing landfill dependency.

In 2023, Malta introduced mandatory waste separation and a unified collection schedule and established differentiated gate fees – all measures which incentivise waste separation and treatment options.

The NSO data also shows that Malta generated nearly 2.9 million tonnes of waste in 2023. This is an improvement compared to the 3.6 million tonne mark recorded in 2019 and 2020.

A key area of focus continues to be construction waste, which accounted for nearly 2.2 million tonnes in 2023. 68% of the material was recycled and 31% was used for backfilling. This marks a yet another significant improvement on recycling over recovery when compared to 2019, where 33% of the material was recycled and 66% was used for backfilling.

In line with the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy covering 2021-2030, ERA has introduced a new regulatory framework for the management of construction and demolition waste which entered into force by end of 2023. This framework emphasises on waste reduction, proper management, waste separation, the development of secondary markets, and increased recycling efforts for construction and demolition waste.

“With the continued development of waste treatment and recycling infrastructure and the growing participation of citizens in proper waste disposal, Malta is making great strides toward creating a more sustainable and circular economy,” Mr Mercieca concluded.

19 February 2025

Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela inawgura l-proġett ta’ riġenerazzjoni ta’ Ġnien Spencer fil-Marsa. Ġnien Spencer, żona ta’ madwar 11-il tomna ta’ art, irritornat fi stat mill-isbaħ lill-komunità bħala parti mill-impenn tal-Gvern li jkompli jinvesti fi spazji ħodor u sostenibbli fil-qalba tal-lokalitajiet ta’ pajjiżna.
Fil-fatt, dan il-ġnien riġenerat mill-Awtorità għall-Ambjent u r-Riżorsi, l-ERA, jippromwovi b’mod b’saħħtu l-prinċipju tas-sostenibbiltà fosthom b’sistema tal-ħażna tal-ilma u li fl-istess ħin tiffiltrah. Dan flimkien mat-tħawwil ta’ qrib is-sitt elef arbuxell u sitt elef pjanta oħra flimkien ma’ bosta siġar u sistemi li jiġġeneraw l-elettriku mid-dawl tax-xemx.
Fid-diskors tiegħu, il-Prim Ministru rrimarka s-sodisfazzjon tiegħu għat-tlestija ta’ dan il-proġett fil-qalba tal-Marsa. “Illejla qed nassistu għat-tlestija ta’ proġett f’lokalità li nemmen bis-saħħa fil-potenzjal tagħha. Lokalità li deċiżjonijiet tal-passat kienu iebsa mal-poplu Marsa. Illum kburi bi Gvern li jemmen bis-saħħa fil-Marsa”, irrimarka l-Prim Ministru hekk kif tenna mill-ġdid ir-riġenerazzjoni b’saħħitha li jrid jara f’din il-lokalità u d-deċiżjonijiet importanti li diġà ttieħdu mill-Gvern f’dan ir-rigward, fosthom bl-għeluq tal-power station.
Intant, il-Prim Ministru tenna l-impenn tiegħu li l-Gvern ikompli jagħti prijorità lil proġetti bħal dak ta’ Ġnien Spencer. “Nemmen li rridu naċċelleraw iżjed il-ħidma biex ikollna aktar. Irrid nara aktar bħal Ġnien Spencer. Proġetti oħra li wettaqna bħal dak ta’ Wied Fulija, il-Qortin f’Għawdex u Bengħajsa huma proġetti importanti”, sostna l-Prim Ministru hekk kif spjega wkoll li fil-Budget għas-sena d-dieħla se jiżdied l-investiment biex s-sena d-dieħla jitlestew 19-il proġett ieħor ta’ spazji miftuħa.
“Inħares ’il quddiem biex nara ħafna familji jgawdu dan il-post. Ejja ħalli nibqgħu nżommu dan ir-ritmu b’saħħtu fl-implimentazzjoni ta’ proġetti ambjentali lejn pajjiż ta’ kwalità”, temm jgħid il-Prim Ministru.
Qabel l-inawgurazzjoni tkellmet il-Ministru għall-Ambjent, l-Enerġija u l-Indafa Pubblika Miriam Dalli. “B’dan il-proġett ta’ riġenerazzjoni qed nagħtu nifs ġdid lill-Marsa. Dan il-proġett jissimbolizza l-protezzjoni kontinwa li rridu nagħtu lill-ambjent ta’ madwarna. Ġnien Spencer jirrappreżenta l-impenn tal-ERA li tkompli taħdem u ssaħħaħ il-ħidma tagħha favur il-protezzjoni ambjentali, fil-forom differenti tagħha,” qalet il-Ministru Dalli. “Wegħedna 40,000 metru kwadru ta’ spazji ġodda miftuħa sal-aħħar tas-sena. Dan huwa t-tielet ġnien li qed niftħu f’temp ta’ tlett ijiem. It-tielet ġnien li qed joffri valur miżjud fil-lokalità li jinsab fiha”, temmet tgħid il-Ministru Miriam Dalli.
27 November

ERA is proud to announce that it will be hosting Nhar in-Naħla, a family event at the Sant’Antnin Family Park in Marsaskala. The event will take place on the 1st of December 2024, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and is dedicated to celebrating Malta’s National Insect, the Maltese Honeybee.

Bees are essential to pollination, supporting biodiversity and food production. Nhar in-Naħla aims to educate the public on the designation of the Maltese Honeybee as a National Species whilst also highlighting the importance of pollinators and sustainable practices which we can implement in our daily life to safeguard them, such as planting pollinator-friendly plants, avoiding pesticides, and creating safe spaces like bee hotels.

Those in attendance can expect an exciting day packed with fun activities for the whole family. Activities will include kids’ crafts and games, interactive learning through workshops about bees’ roles in pollination, displays on how to create bee-friendly environments, as well as various entertainment through Bee-themed animations, live music, and costumed entertainers to keep spirits high.

Throughout the event sustainability will be given due priority. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups to minimise waste, and free drinking water will be provided courtesy of the Water Services Corporation’s water buggy.

For further updates sneak peeks, and event highlights the public may refer to this events page – https://fb.me/e/56ch5smNm

Professor Alan Deidun and Steve Zammit Lupi honoured for environmental excellence.

Marine biologist and Malta’s Ocean Ambassador Professor Alan Deidun and environmental activist Steve Zammit Lupi were awarded for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation at the prestigious ERA Awards held at Verdala Palace.

The awards, organised by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) under the patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono, spotlight individuals driving meaningful environmental change. The Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli was also present for the ceremony.

Professor Alan Deidun received the Buonamico Award, named after Malta’s first naturalist, for his groundbreaking scientific research and unwavering dedication to environmental awareness. As Malta’s first Ocean Ambassador and a leading academic, Professor Deidun’s work bridges science and impactful conservation efforts.

The Special Recognition Award was presented to Steve Zammit Lupi for his activism and community engagement. Zammit Lupi, an advocate for sustainable transport and green initiatives, gained prominence by cycling from Malta to Sweden to raise environmental awareness and promote local eco-friendly projects in Ħaż-Żebbuġ.

During his speech, ERA’s Chairman, Perit Vincent Cassar stated that the achievements of this year’s awardees truly inspire us to strive for increased environmental stewardship.

“Their actions attest their contribution in protecting the national environment through active participation in conservation efforts. I hope that this will instigate future generations to follow the steps of Professor Deidun and Mr Zammit Lupi, in safeguarding Malta’s environment”.

In her speech, the President emphasised the need for the protection and preservation of the urban and rural environment. She stressed that it is imperative that natural resources are not strained, but a balance has to be struck between the needs of a growing population and economy, and other considerations including the people’s physical and mental health. The President was accompanied by her husband, Dr Anthony Spiteri Debono.

16 November 2024

The Board of the Environment and Resources Authority upheld the protection status of the whole of Ħondoq ir-Rummien, including il-Ħnejja. This decision was delivered unanimously this morning.

Earlier this year, Ħondoq ir-Rummien was designated a Special Area of Conservation. Article 69 (6) of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) allows any landowner who feels aggrieved by the protection of a site to request a reconsideration of the protection title awarded to their land within 30 days from notification or publication in the Government Gazette. As a result, a request to reconsider the protection for part of the site was submitted by landowners.

Following a thorough assessment, the Board found no reasonable grounds to reconsider the protection title.

The decision was delivered during a public meeting of the board. This was possible due to changes enacted last year in the Environment Protection Act, following amendments which brought further transparency to ERA Board meetings.

With reference to reports about odours in Dun Mikiel Xerri Street in Attard, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), as the environment regulator, advises that, it is working closely with the Department of Civil Protection.

As part of this investigation, ERA officials were on site and it appears that the odours are the result of a substance, identified as urea, that came out of a private industrial facility, together with rainwater.

ERA will continue to follow up this case.

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has opened a public consultation on the proposed Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s terrestrial Natura 2000 sites.

This consultation offers an opportunity for the public to provide input on the draft conservation objectives and measures for 13 of Malta’s terrestrial Natura 2000 sites, in accordance with the Habitats and Birds Directives.

These objectives and measures are designed to build on the existing Management Plans and Conservation Orders for these sites. The goal is to strengthen site management by establishing clear, actionable conservation objectives and measures, thereby ensuring the protection of the unique habitats and species that these areas support.

The 13 terrestrial Natura 2000 sites included in this consultation are:

  • L-Inħawi ta’ Pembroke
  • Il-Maqluba
  • Is-Simar
  • Is-Salini
  • L-Għadira s-Safra u l-Iskoll tal-Għallis
  • L-Inħawi tar-Ramla tat-Torri u tal-Irdum tal-Madonna
  • Għar Dalam
  • Iċ-Ċittadella
  • Il-Ballut ta’ Marsaxlokk
  • L-Inħawi tal-Għadira
  • Filfla u l-Gżejjer ta’ Madwarha
  • Il-Gżejjer ta’ San Pawl (Selmunett)
  • Il-Magħluq tal-Baħar ta’ Marsaskala

ERA encourages all stakeholders and members of the public to participate in this consultation and share their feedback on the draft conservation objectives and measures for these Natura 2000 sites. The consultation documents may be accessed here and contributions can be submitted via [email protected] or the feedback form at publicconsultation.gov.mt .