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 .

Following months of dedicated efforts, the 2024 turtle nesting season has successfully concluded.

Today, Nature Trust Malta (NTM) and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) opened the final nest, Nest 7, which did not yield hatchlings due to natural factors.

Despite this, the season has been highly positive, setting new records for turtle conservation in Malta. A total of eight nests were confirmed — more than in any previous year — resulting in 594 eggs and 406 hatchlings.

These outcomes highlight the ongoing success of conservation initiatives, and the strong results offer encouragement for future nesting seasons.

Number of Nest Location Hatched Total no. of Eggs Total no. of Hatched Total no. of Unhatched
1 Golden Bay Yes 68 44 24
2 Golden Bay* Yes 74 60 25
3 Ramla Bay Yes 88 81 12
4 Golden Bay* Yes 64 46 18
5 Gnejna Bay Yes 75 47 28
6 Ramla Bay Yes 93 61 32
7 Golden Bay No 56 / 56
8 Ramla Bay Yes 76 67 9

* These nests were originally found in Ghajn tuffieha however had to be translocated to Golden Bay as their position posed significant risk to their survival.

Such high nesting numbers and successful nests are an ode to the hard work being carried out by ERA and other entities including NGOs such as Nature Trust Malta.

We would once again like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all entities involved, and the public for their cooperation and support throughout this season.

8 October

In a surprise event, we are happy to announce that the eighth nest has fully hatched. This nest was the last found this season however it has hatched early and has produced a total of 67 hatchlings.

Nest eighth which was found at Ramla l-hamra on the 08/08/24, was carefully opened by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), on the 28/09/24.  The nest held a total of 76 eggs with 67 successfully hatching.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca said that ‘This season is definitely one to remember, with just over 400 new turtles released into the wild so far.  In line with its mission, ERA is putting all its efforts for wildlife conservation, to improve Malta’s environment for a better quality of life. ERA will continue to support Nature Trust in its wildlife rehabilitation project and is committed to provide resources for wildlife protection, especially in relation to species that are in danger of extinction such as the loggerhead turtle. This work has also raised public awareness on the importance of sea turtle conservation, and I am positive that the public will join ERA in this celebration of having a record season.’

As we move toward the hatching of the last nest for this season (Nest 7 at Golden bay) ERA continues to support NTM in protecting turtle nests and conducting other animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

28 September

Malta has officially declared the Maltese honeybee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) as the country’s National Insect, joining five other national species.

This unique honeybee, known locally as “in-naħla ta’ Malta,” evolved in isolation on the Maltese Islands and is perfectly adapted to the local hot, dry summers.

Honeybees play a vital role in agriculture and biodiversity, providing essential services like pollination and producing honey, beeswax, and other valuable products.

With this new designation, the Maltese honeybee will receive stronger legal protection and greater public awareness about its importance for pollination and environmental health.

Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, remarked: “This declaration is a proud moment for Malta. The Maltese honeybee is a symbol of our natural heritage and a key player in sustaining both our environment and agriculture.”

Minister for Agriculture, Anton Refalo stated that this is another milestone which compliments the work of the Government in the preservation of local genetic resources and the valorisation of agriculture products.

This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ministries and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) to promote biodiversity monitoring and conservation, including initiatives like the Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme, supported by volunteers and citizen scientists.​

26 September

The National Biodiversity and Action Plan (NBSAP) for 2030 has been published, laying out a clear strategy to tackle biodiversity challenges and protect the environment.

Building on the success of the 2012–2020 plan, which exceeded its targets by 11%, it highlights key progress in areas like communication, land and marine protection, policy development, and the use of EU funds for major environmental projects.

Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, said, “This plan is our commitment to safeguarding Malta’s natural heritage for future generations. Together, we can ensure a sustainable and biodiverse country,” adding that collaboration across government and society is essential to achieving these ambitious goals.

The NBSAP 2030 includes 22 targets and 79 actions aligned with global and EU biodiversity goals, covering everything from ecosystem restoration and genetic diversity to climate change and sustainable agriculture.

CEO of the Environment and Resources Authority Kevin Mercieca stated, “This strategy is a culmination of significant hard work and aims to continue on the success of the previous strategy. The work must now continue through collaboration with other entities to ensure that good results are achieved.”

More information on the NBSAP 2030 may be found here.

The full document may be viewed here.

20 September

We are happy to announce that the Sixth nest has fully hatched. It has produced a total of 61 hatchlings.

Nest six which was found at Ramla Bay in Gozo on the 28/07/24 was carefully opened by ERA, Nature Trust Malta (NTM), on the 13/09/24.  The nest held a total of 93 eggs with 61 successfully hatching.

ERA continues to support NTM in protecting turtle nests and conducting other animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.