The second turtle nesting site of this season has been spotted during a routine morning patrol by Nature Trust Malta (NTM-FEE) volunteers. The turtle nesting site was found at Għajn Tuffieħa.

While this news is most welcome, the nest was laid very close to the surface and to the shore. This posed a risk to the nest should weather conditions become unfavourable. To maximise the nest’s chances of survival, ERA and Nature Trust Malta (NTM-FEE) officials conducted an emergency operation whereby the eggs were transferred to a safer location at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay).

Darrin Stevens, the director for the environment within ERA, said that “The works carried out today in collaboration between ERA and NTM-FEE were done as nest safety is the number one priority when a turtle nest is found. In addition to the relocation the site has also been cordoned off to ensure no direct trampling on the nest takes place.

Following this operation, ERA will continue to coordinate with NTM-FEE to ensure that the nest is protected.  ERA will continue supporting NTM-FEE and the relevant stakeholders in order to ensure the protection of the nest. An Emergency Conservation Order will also be issued.

An NTM-FEE representative said that ‘Through routine beach patrols and strong collaboration between NTM beach patrol and ERA, this nest was immediately found, and the appropriate measures could be promptly taken to ensure its safety. As the nest was very close to the shoreline and falls within an area where seawater levels may rise, the eggs were at risk of drowning. Checks were immediately done in areas of the beach that do not flood, however the bedrock was found within 30cm thus rendering the areas too shallow for a nest.’

 The general public is encouraged to act responsibly as excessive noise, trampling and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings. ERA encourages the public to immediately report of any observations of turtle activity to ERA on over the phone (2292 3500) or through its customer care system, or directly to NTM (9999 9505).

This new nest is the second confirmed nest this summer, just after the nest laid on the 15th June 2024 at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay).

Volunteers will also be required by NTM-FEE during the nesting period so as to help with monitoring and other tasks related to this turtle nest. Those who wish to volunteer, are kindly asked to send an email on [email protected] for more information.

NTM-FEE are sponsored by ERA to conduct animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

1 July 2024

As the country strengthens its waste separation and management efforts, consumers are now encouraged to use see-through black bags when disposing of waste intended for black bags. The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) announces that this effort is in line with Schedule 3 of S.L.549.40 and targets door-to-door regional waste collection as of 1st July, 2024.

Since the introduction of a number of measures in 2023, including the new waste collection schedule coordinated by Regional Councils and the Mandatory Waste Separation enforced by ERA- amongst other initiatives – there has been a 23% drop in mixed waste collected and a 35% increase for separately collected organic waste.

Black bags are intended for items which do not classify as organic, recyclable, reusable, hazardous or medicinal. Therefore, the introduction of transparent black bags is another step to support efforts to ensure that consumers dispose of waste properly and further encourage apt waste separation practices. Consumers may have already noticed a difference in the black bags they have purchased, at several local grocers and supermarkets, as market suppliers have joined in ERA’s efforts to support proper waste separation.

Non-see-through black bags will remain on the market and can be used for other purposes besides disposing of mixed waste.

The ERA will support the public in the mandatory use of see-through black bags by allowing a transitional period. During this period, ERA will prioritise awareness-raising since the public’s commitment to proper waste separation and disposal plays a crucial role in preserving our environment, minimising pollution and littering, and supporting recycling practices.

The public is reminded that there are no changes to the existing waste collection schedule. The same bag colours still apply for mixed recyclables (green or grey bags collected every Thursday) and organic waste (in white bags collected every Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Glass waste will continue to be collected every first and third Friday of the month. The bulky waste collection service is also offered by Local Councils free of charge to all households. Additionally, we urge the public to donate items that are still in good condition to Wasteserv’s Reuse Centres, which offer used and ‘pre-loved’ items that still hold value and can be given another ‘life’.

For further information on the waste schedule, waste disposal methods and waste separation, please refer to https://www.wastecollection.mt/.

28 June 2024

The first turtle nesting site of this season has been spotted during a routine morning patrol by Nature Trust Malta (NTM-FEE) volunteers. The loggerhead turtle nesting site was found at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay).

ERA officers are currently coordinating with Nature Trust Malta (NTM-FEE) to cordon off the area an ensure that the nest is protected.

ERA will continue supporting NTM and the relevant stakeholders in order to ensure the protection of the nest. An Emergency Conservation Order will be also issued.

The general public is encouraged to act responsibly as excessive noise, trampling and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings.

ERA would like to thank the public for their support and co-operation during such events, and encourage the public to immediately report of any observations of turtle activity to ERA on over the phone (2292 3500) or through its customer care system, or directly to NTM (2131 3150).

Volunteers will also be required by NTM during the nesting period so as to help with monitoring and other tasks related to this turtle nest. Those who wish to volunteer, are kindly  asked to send an email on [email protected] for more information.

NTM are sponsored by ERA to conduct animal rescues and rehabilitation around the Maltese islands.

Note on the species: The loggerhead turtle (Maltese: il-fekruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area (IUCN) and is also protected by various national and international legislation. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is prohibited and subject to legal action.  Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence.  In fact, the national ‘Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations’ impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2400 for each egg that may be destroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtles has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive.

For further information, please refer to  https://era.org.mt/turtle-nests-in-malta-gozo/.

15 June 2024

Photo by Mario Cucciardi

First turtle nest of 2024 - Golden bay

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is investigating an unauthorised intervention on Ficus trees in Mosta, including drilling holes into the main trunk and roots, and the pouring of an unknown liquid into these holes.

The Authority condemns this act of vandalism which it has been following for a few days now together with the Police in an attempt to catch the perpetrator. This vandalism act can threaten the health and integrity of these trees.

Upon receiving these reports, the ERA immediately initiated investigations with assistance from the Plant Health Directorate and requested Police intervention. It is currently conducting sampling and laboratory analysis of the substance poured into the trees, a crucial step in attempting to determine the substance inflicted and any remedial intervention that may be required.

Every possible effort is underway to identify the perpetrators responsible for these actions. ERA urgently calls upon anyone with information that could aid in this investigation to come forward. Confidentiality to all informants is assured.

Individuals can report any relevant information anonymously to the ERA on 2292 3500 or via the online portal at https://cc-eris.eraportal.org.mt/submit-case .

ERA also encourages the public to cooperate with the police and provide any assistance that may contribute in the investigation of this case.

28 March 2024

Gozo’s Qortin ta’ Isopu, il-Ġebla tal-Ħnejja and Ġebla tal-Fessej also granted national protection

The Maltese Government has sealed the environmental protection of Ħondoq ir-Rummien as the site has now been designated by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) as a Special Area of Conservation.

Additionally, il-Qortin ta’ Isopu, il-Ġebla tal-Ħnejja and il-Ġebla tal-Fessej will also enjoy the same environmental protection due to their natural and geological attributes.

In Malta, Xrobb l-Għaġin will also be declared as a Special Area of Conservation.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli and Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, together with ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca and Qala Mayor Pawlu Buttigieg visited the site that will now also enjoy legal protection. In 2006, this land was given up for development when it was included in the local plans of that time.

“We are giving Hondoq among the highest levels of environmental protection offered by our country’s environmental laws. The Government is legally and officially recognizing the natural importance of this area by protecting the area home to rich biodiversity and protected species, such as the carob and mature olive trees,” explained Minister Miriam Dalli.

This protection means that activities in this area are subject to more rigorous screening or environmental studies than other sites located in outside development zones (ODZ). Where activities are found to have a negative impact on the biodiversity of the area, all consequences would need to be first eliminated.

“In total we are adding another 850,000 square meters to the country’s list of protected land – the size of 120 football grounds, a little bigger than the size of Valletta. This means that, in total, around 30% of the land in our country is protected under various environmental regulations,” explained Minister Dalli.

On his part, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri welcomed Ħondoq’s designation as another important step for its conservation, as well as the environmental protection of other sites.

“This continues to build on the work being undertaken by the Planning Authority to designate this site for afforestation and exclude any type of development. I believe that the government is taking crucial decisions to protect sites that are important for Gozitans and Maltese, not only to protect them but also to be enjoyed by future generations,” Camilleri said.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca explained that a conservation plan will now be designed for each of the new sites. “The addition of new protected sites is a testament to the good work being done by the Authority. ERA will continue working to establish conservation measures for each site while also coordinating with the respective stakeholders to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to better the sites,” he said.

Qala mayor Pawlu Buttigieg expressed his satisfaction over Ħondoq ir-Rummien’s new designation. “I am extremely pleased with Ħondoq ir-Rummien’s new title as a Special Area of Conservation so that Ħondoq’s protection is now sealed once and for all.”​​​

20 March 2024

As part of the implementation of the Wellbeing-First Vision for Malta’s Environment 2050, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) commissioned a study targeting environmental wellbeing in Malta’s towns and villages.

This study was commissioned to enable ERA to prioritise those areas that need to be targeted by policy and also to help identify areas where funding for environmental projects would give the most benefit to communities. It will be used in relation to the updated State of the Environment Report by 2025, the implementation of the National Strategy for the Environment to 2050 and ongoing projects for open and green spaces. Indeed, the study highlighted that the increased availability of open spaces was deemed as a contributing factor to improve the environmental quality of localities; this is also the direction which is being pursued in various environmental projects.

The study in itself included focus groups and interviews with residents from different localities so as to accurately represent the Maltese context and was carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Wellbeing within the University of Malta.

According to the study, the majority of residents are content with their current neighbourhoods. However, those living in densely populated urban areas, like the northern harbour district, would prefer to see more open spaces. Respondents to the study also indicated construction and traffic as the two factors that have a negative impact on their quality of life.

7 march 2024

The Ministry for the Environment, Energy and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, together with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), have launched a public consultation on the newly proposed Environment Permitting Regulations. The regulations being proposed are the first of their kind since the establishment of the first environmental laws in Malta, 30 years ago.

Through these regulations, the Government is seeking to provide a more consolidated and holistic environmental permitting framework, one which is more efficient to the user, thus benefitting the environment and the economy. This also signals a move away from the current permitting framework, which is highly fragmented.

“Last July, the Government made amendments to the Environment Protection Act to enhance public participation, transparency, and efficiency in environmental decision-making. As a result of these amendments, proposed regulation for Environment Permitting are now being presented today,” stated Minister for the Environment, Energy and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli during a media briefing.

“The main principle has always been transparency and greater public involvement when environmental permits are issued by ERA. The new regulations present an ambitious but well-balanced position which allows for stronger environmental protection and sustainable economic development. Whilst Malta must stay competitive to support the aspirations of its people and overcome the challenges ahead, environmental protection needs to be ensured. That’s why the proposed regulations include more environmental safeguards,” stated Minister Dalli.

The new regulations categorise applications reaching ERA according to environmental risk and determine which standard processes are to be applied so as to process the application. Timelines for the application’s processing are specified to ensure that permits are processed in a timely and efficient manner. Timelines will range from 15 days, when it comes to the processing of routine permits, and go up to 270 days for complex environmental permits.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca, noted that “With these new regulations ERA will be able to better standardise its operations and increase efficiency when it comes to processing applications. Such efforts also compliment the hard work that ERA has been doing in terms of digitisation through the ERIS system”.

In addition to making permits available online, the regulations identify applications which will be open to the public, allowing the public to make submissions. This will result in greater transparency and active public involvement.

These regulations will be extending permitting requirements to previously unregulated activities which will now require permitting through a common and consolidated process. Permit application fees will also be revised according to the permits involved.

For further information the public is urged to visit https://era.org.mt/environmental-permitting-regulations-2024  where the consultation documents and other related information may be found. The consultation period is open for eight weeks, and submissions may be sent by email to [email protected] by Wednesday, 17th April 2024.​​

 

21 February 2024

Students from Birkirkara and Safi Primary schools were the first participants in the public consultation which is set to declare the Maltese honeybee as Malta’s national insect.

The public consultation was launched at the Buskett Educational Hub, where students were showcased the importance of bees through various activities including a digital puppet show and a presentation on the Maltese honeybee and its importance as a pollinator.

The proposed amendments to the current legislation which were launched for public consultation, take into consideration operational concerns raised by beekeepers and streamlines permitting processes between two regulators, the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) and the Department of Agriculture, avoiding additional burdens for beekeepers. The proposed amendments also give additional protection to the endemic Maltese honeybee.

During a discussion with the primary students, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli explained the importance of declaring the Maltese honeybee as a national insect.

“Beyond its significance as a pollinator to our ecosystems, the honeybee symbolises our commitment to biodiversity and the environment. Let us cherish and protect this invaluable insect, recognising its vital role in sustaining life on our planet,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.

ERA’s Director for Environment and Resources, Darrin Stevens noted that, “These events are very encouraging as one can clearly see the passion children have for nature. Today we continued ERA’s efforts with respect to conservation efforts in both the terrestrial and the species field. Through this public consultation we can further provide protection to an important species which has an important role in biodiversity protection.”

The public is being urged to submit their feedback regarding this consultation via https://era.org.mt/declaration-of-the-maltese-honey-bee-as-a-national-species/.​

19 February 2024

L-Awtorità għall-Ambjent u r-Riżorsi tiddeplora aġir irresponsabbli għal skop ta’ posts fuq media soċjali li juru tkissir ta’ tagħmir elettroniku ġo barriera.

Aġir bħal dan hu detrimentali għall-ambjent għaliex dan it-tip ta’ skart jikkontjeni materjali perikolużi bħal merkurju li jista’ jwassal għal kontaminazzjoni tal-ilma tal-pjan. Hu ukoll detrimentali għall-terzi persuni u jixhed nuqqas ta’ responsabbilità ċivika.

Qed naħdmu mal-pulizija biex insibu lil persuna responsabbli biex jinżamm responsabbli ta’ egħmilu

2 February 2024

In a decisive move during the first ERA Board session of 2024, the Board confirmed the issuance of €8,000 in fines targeting four waste legislation infringements. These fines come as a result of diligent monitoring and investigation, showcasing ERA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and proper waste disposal.

Spotting wrongdoers through the monitoring of strategically placed cameras in hotspot areas, ERA officers caught two individuals illegally dumping a refrigerator and cardboard waste in an area at Ħandaq, Qormi. ERA imposed a €1,400 fine for this environmentally harmful act.

Another case involved the dumping of construction waste, specifically cement slurry on garrigue, by a cement mixer. ERA officers who were provided with video footage by a vigilant member of the public, tracked down the offender through the vehicle registration number. The culprit was required to manually remove the fresh concrete, supervised by ERA officers, resulting also in a €4,000 fine.

Two instances of illegal waste incineration also drew ERA’s attention. In one case, smouldering burnt waste in a metal skip led to a €1,200 fine, while in Ta’ Sannat, Gozo, ERA officers, managed to identify the contravener who fled the scene and fined the culprit €1,200 for incinerating mixed waste.

ERA urges the public to report illegal waste disposal to the ERA via phone at 2292 3500 or through the online portal ERIS. Public cooperation is essential in supporting ERA’s Compliance Unit, which employs digital tools like drones and CCTV cameras to catch perpetrators. Together, let’s stand against irresponsible persons who degrade the environmental quality by irresponsible practices.

23 January 2024

  • Burnt Waste in skip
  • Cement Slurry on Garrigue