1. Background

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has prepared “Conservation Objectives and Measures for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites”, in line with the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.44) and the Conservation​ of Wild Birds Regulations (S.L. 549.42).

Malta has designated eighteen (18) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) forming part of the European Natura 2000 Network aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of species and habitats listed under the Birds Directive 2009/147/EC and the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. More information regarding these MPAs may be found on the following webpages:

• Marine Protected Areas – ERA
• Natura 2000 Datasheets and Maps – ERA

• FAQs on Marine Protected Areas

These MPAs need to be subject to management processes aimed at improving or maximising the contribution of the sites to the maintenance or achievement of Favourable Conservation Status (FCS) of the habitats and species listed in the Habitats Directive and the protection of seabirds in accordance with the Birds Directive.

For this purpose, ‘conservation objectives’ are set to guide management processes and enable measurement of progress towards achievement of the overall objectives of the two Directives and ‘conservation measures’ are elaborated to achieve the set objectives through their implementation.

The elaboration of these conservation objectives and measures seek a harmonised approach towards the implementation of European Union and regional policies, and national strategies including inter alia:

• the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) targeting the achievement of global and EU targets on biodiversity;
• the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC;
• the Barcelona Convention for the protection of the marine environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean and associated protocols and action plans.

 

2. Consultation

The proposed conservation objectives and measures are subdivided into two (2) broad categories:

• ‘General Objectives and Measures’ for the overall conservation of marine sites;
• ‘Specific Objectives and Measures’ targeting conservation of each protected feature.

The public is invited to submit any feedback or comments on these draft objectives and measures for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites.

 

3. Documents

Conservation Measures and Objectives for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites

Public Consultation Questionnaire

Public Meeting Presentation

Public Meeting Video

 

4. Submission of feedback

• Questionnaire: click here
• E-mail: [email protected]

 

5. Further notes

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data.  In this case, the contribution may be published in an anonymous form.

All comments submitted shall be duly considered.