Category: Press Releases

🌿 Wrapping up Passi fil-Wied SkolaSajf

Over the past few weeks, ERA, together with Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant, brought environmental learning to SkolaSajf through a series of engaging activities exploring Malta’s valleys and natural heritage.

Our final session brought students from SkolaSajf Lija and SkolaSajf Pembroke to Wied Għollieqa, where they used VR to discover the valley’s flora, fauna and habitats, while learning about invasive species and the importance of protecting our natural environment.

Thank you to all the students and educators who joined us and made this year’s outings such a great experience! 🌱💚

12 August 2026

Where are the Comino Hotel project’s shrub and tree interventions taking place?

These works concern shrubs and trees that were planted for the previous hotel’s own landscaping. Interventions regarding the removal and transplanting are mainly limited to the existing footprint as noted in the map below.

What will take place?

• 624 specimens are non-protected – these will be removed. The majority of these (467) are oleanders, a shrub species horticulturally planted within the hotel premises as ornamental landscaping.
• 54 protected trees will be removed, however ERA has obliged the Hili Group to plant 10 trees for each tree removed, therefore the Comino Hotel project will see 540 new indigenous trees being planted. A compensation plan is to be submitted for ERA’s approval prior to implementation to ensure adequate species are selected for the site.
• Another 348 trees will be transplanted to the sites of the hotel project. Any tree that does not get transplanted successfully will have to be compensated for with 10 new trees, another ERA condition on the Hili Group.
  ERA’s decisions are based on its experts’ scientific advice and the laws of Malta.

11 August 2026

New framework turns Malta’s first Marine Park from legal designation into active protection and management

The Ċirkewwa Marine Park Management Plan has been officially launched, moving the Marine Park from legal designation to active management.

As the first dedicated framework for the site, it identifies the habitats and species requiring protection, the pressures affecting the area and the practical measures needed to address them. These include zoning, mooring arrangements, codes of conduct, monitoring and coordinated enforcement.

The Plan was launched during an event organised by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), together with the Ministry for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, the Ministry for Tourism, the Ċirkewwa Management Council, the Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta and Nature Trust Malta.

Ministers, officials and representatives of the entities involved travelled aboard a vessel along Malta’s northern coastline, passing the St Paul’s Islands – recently designated as a Special Protection Area – and the surrounding cliffs before arriving at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park. This route highlighted the area’s ecological value and the need for coordinated action to protect its biodiversity while safeguarding its recreational use.

“Protecting a marine area cannot stop at drawing boundaries on a map. This Management Plan turns protection into action, with clear measures, shared responsibilities and continued monitoring. Our objective is to safeguard Ċirkewwa’s marine environment while ensuring that people can continue to enjoy it responsibly through diving, boating, fishing, research and sustainable tourism. This is how we protect our natural heritage: through science, effective management and cooperation,” stated Minister Miriam Dalli.

“The Ċirkewwa Marine Park is a clear example of how we can strengthen our country by protecting what makes it unique. Our sea is one of Malta’s greatest assets, and we therefore have a duty to safeguard it responsibly. This Plan will help ensure that activities such as diving, boating and maritime tourism continue to develop sustainably, while preserving Ċirkewwa’s natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations. Tourism and environmental protection can go hand in hand, allowing us to offer high-quality experiences while strengthening Malta’s reputation as a sustainable destination,” said Minister for Tourism Jo Etienne Abela.

“Following the establishment of the Ċirkewwa Marine Park earlier this year, the launch of this Management Plan marks a significant milestone for the Park. It transforms the designation into a practical programme of action, providing a clear roadmap for protecting Malta’s first Marine Park while ensuring it continues to support recreation, research and sustainable tourism. The Plan is the result of close collaboration between ERA, the Malta Tourism Authority, Transport Malta and NatureTrust Malta, and that partnership will remain essential as we turn its actions into measurable outcomes,” said ERA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca.

“The Ċirkewwa Marine Park is far more than a protected marine area; it represents a forward-looking approach to tourism management, one that recognises that the preservation of our natural environment is intrinsically linked to the quality of the visitor experience. By bringing together conservation, scientific research, education, and responsible recreation, the Marine Park reflects the Malta Tourism Authority’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that Malta remains one of the Mediterranean’s premier and most sustainable diving destinations for generations to come. The Malta Tourism Authority initiated this project several years ago, and we are proud to see this vision become a reality,” stated Kevin Fsadni Deputy CEO and Director of Product Development at the Malta Tourism Authority.

He continued that the Marine Park will not only safeguard an exceptional marine ecosystem but will also further strengthen Malta’s position as a leading destination for diving tourism, providing lasting benefits for both visitors and the local community. He concluded that this achievement has been made possible through the strong collaboration and shared commitment of multiple government entities and stakeholders, whose collective efforts have brought this important initiative to fruition.

In practical terms, the Management Plan seeks to:

• protect important underwater habitats, particularly Posidonia seagrass meadows;
• support scientific monitoring of marine biodiversity;
• consider clearly defined zones for different marine activities;
• promote codes of conduct and guidance for users;
• explore improved mooring arrangements and potential no-anchoring areas to protect sensitive seabed habitats;
• strengthen monitoring and enforcement through closer coordination and, where appropriate, monitoring systems;
• enhance diver safety and emergency preparedness;
• promote educational initiatives, signage and outreach for schools and visitors; and
• explore digital awareness tools, including live underwater footage and virtual-reality experiences.

The Plan is intended to balance environmental conservation with recreational and economic activity rather than restrictaccess. Through zonation, monitoring and stakeholder cooperation, users will be able to continue enjoying the site whilereducing pressure on sensitive habitats.

Environmental academic Prof Paul J. Pace honoured with the 2026 Buonamico Awards.

During the 2026 edition of the ERA Awards the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) recognised educators, conservationists, organisations and institutions for their environmental contributions and actions.

The Awards are held under the patronage of H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, and highlight outstanding contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, biodiversity conservation and environmental education across our country. Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Dr Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Welfare Alicia Bugeja Said were also present for the ceremony.

 This year the most prestigious award of the night, The Buonamico Award was presented to Prof. Paul J. Pace in recognition of his long-standing contribution to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). As a professor at the University of Malta, he has played a pivotal role in shaping environmental education policy and practice, including the establishment of the Centre for Environmental Education and Research and his involvement in national ESD strategies. His work also spans curriculum development, teacher support, international collaborations and public outreach on sustainability.

The Buonamico Award was presented by Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono who, in her speech, highlighted the importance of these awards, not only as a recognition to the respective entities and individuals, but also by delivering a clear message with regards to the protection of the environment as a collective duty.

The President described the ERA Awards as “an added value, showcasing the holistic vision in the protection of the environment, which should guide the environmental policy we implement, for the present and future good of our country.”

 This night also saw Angelique Lofaro being presented with the Special Recognition Award, for her commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental awareness. Lofaro is a dedicated volunteer with Nature Trust Malta. Since joining the organisation in 2016 she has been actively involved in wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on sea turtle protection. Her proposal for structured turtle nest patrols in 2019 has since developed into a coordinated volunteer network covering beaches across Malta and Gozo, strengthened by additional volunteers during nesting seasons. She is also engaged in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts and is currently conducting research on hedgehog health.

Further recognition was also given to entities and organisations for their contribution to Maltese biodiversity and environment.

The Corporate Award for Environmental Innovation and Sustainability was awarded to the HSBC Malta Foundation for the sustainable retrofit of the HSBC Qormi Hub. The project introduced energy-efficient systems, renewable energy solutions, water conservation measures and smart building technologies, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, and serving as a practical example of sustainable upgrading within Malta’s built environment.

The Environmental Stewardship Award was presented to the Heritage Parks Federation for its long-term restoration work at ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay). Since 2015, the project has focused on the rehabilitation of coastal sand dune habitats through habitat restoration, removal of invasive species, planting of native vegetation and public engagement initiatives. These efforts have supported the recovery of sensitive coastal ecosystems and strengthened protection of associated biodiversity.

The Green Public Leadership Award was awarded to the Malta Food Agency for the Żomm! Tarmix initiative, a digital platform designed to redistribute surplus food to voluntary organisations. Since its launch in 2025, the platform has facilitated the redistribution of over 250 tonnes of food, supporting dozens of organisations while reducing food waste and advancing circular economy practices.

Finally, the Green School Scheme Award was presented to Our Lady Immaculate School (Hamrun) for its winning proposal to develop a sustainable outdoor learning environment within the school grounds. The project includes biodiversity enhancement features, rainwater harvesting systems, composting facilities, waste separation infrastructure and outdoor learning spaces, all designed to integrate sustainability into everyday school life. ERA will support the implementation of the project with funding of up to €10,000.

ERA Chairman Perit Vincent Cassar noted that this edition of the ERA Awards once again highlighted the outstanding environmental initiatives being undertaken across the country. He emphasised the diversity, innovation and creativity demonstrated by the winning projects, which reflect the growing commitment of individuals, organisations and communities towards environmental stewardship and sustainability.

27 June 2026

A total of 50kg of litter was collected by ERA’s team across Golden Bay and Riviera Bay.

From plastics and hazardous waste to fishing gear and mixed waste, the results highlight the importance of continued collective action to protect our coastline.

Every effort makes a difference in keeping our beaches clean and our environment protected.

Organising a clean-up? Submit your results: https://shorturl.at/Rn1mC

4 May 2026

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is marking its 10-year anniversary with a series of events showcasing its environmental governance, including a fun-filled day at Spencer Gardens in Marsa. The public event brought together educational activities, guided tours, and interactive exhibits highlighting ERA’s work to safeguard Malta’s environment.

Established following the demerger from MEPA in 2016, ERA has over the past decade developed national systems for environmental regulation, monitoring, and enforcement. Key indicators reflect the scale of this growth, including:

1. The country’s Natura 2000 network and nationally protected sites have increased by more than 18% on both land and sea, underscoring ERA’s commitment to site protection at both legal and practical levels.
2. Environmental permits processed annually have risen from a few thousand in 2016 to over 21,000 in 2025. Inspections have increased from around 700 to more than 8,000 per year, and administrative enforcement tools have led to over 9,000 enforcement actions over the past ten years. ERA also continues to shape national environmental policy, with nearly 150 policy documents and legislative instruments issued for public consultation prior to adoption to guide and support the government and other entities.

At the event, ERA also partnered up with author Mark Marshall to launch the children’s book ‘The Brilliant Bee’, showcasing the intrinsic link of a healthy environment and the importance of educating children and the general public.

Celebrating 10 years of ERA offers a key chance to acknowledge the Authority and its committed team. Over the last decade, ERA has focused on evidence-based decisions, enforcement, and policy initiatives. Much of this work happens quietly but is essential, as it supports biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and enhances community quality of life,” Minister Dalli stated.

ERA chairman Perit Vincent Cassar described the past decade as a period of institutional development:

“ERA has focused on establishing strong foundations for environmental governance over the past decade. The designation of protected areas has been accompanied by ongoing management measures, including habitat restoration, monitoring, and enforcement. The Authority will continue to strengthen these efforts to ensure that protection is both effective and sustained over time.”

Environmental monitoring systems have also expanded, including air quality networks, biodiversity programmes, and marine assessments. At the same time, new tools such as public dashboards, geoportals, and environmental databases have been introduced to improve access to information and support evidence-based decision-making.

Looking ahead, the Authority is advancing a number of initiatives, including a National Restoration Plan, updated air quality plans aligned with stricter EU standards, and targeted measures to reduce waste, particularly food waste.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca emphasised the Authority’s long-term role:

“Ten years ago, ERA was established as a dedicated regulator in response to the growing complexity of environmental governance. Since then, the Authority has built the systems, expertise, and institutional capacity required to address a wide and evolving environmental mandate. Our work today spans every dimension of the natural environment, supported by technical expertise, monitoring systems, and a strong regulatory framework. Crucially, none of these achievements would be possible without ERA’s officers. Their expertise, commitment, passion and above all, dedication are the pillars of the Authority.  As environmental pressures continue to intensify, the focus remains on ensuring that these systems deliver effective protection in practice. The environment does not wait, and neither do we,” Mr Mercieca said.

23 April 2026

An additional €4.6 million in funding has been secured for the conservation of the marine environment through EU co-financing, following the successful launch of the ‘Marine Conservation – An Inclusive Approach to Managing Marine Resources” project in February 2025.

This funding will be used to build on the first phase in project EMFAF.P1.209, further implementing the activities proposed under that project while also introducing new actions within the same set of Work Packages.

Such new actions include:

• Supporting the recovery of underwater habitats, particularly seagrass meadows, by reducing seabed damage and testing practical restoration solutions
• Launching an accessible digital platform so the public can follow the health of the marine environment over time
• Raising awareness and providing clear guidance to promote consistent, science-based marine decision-making
• Delivering targeted scientific studies to inform sustainable fisheries management in protected marine areas

The project will continue to advance the implementation of management measures adopted by Malta for marine Natura 2000 sites, and Programmes of Measures under Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Water Framework Directive processes. The overall goal is to maintain or achieve Favourable Conservation Status of marine habitats and species within marine Natura 2000 sites, as well as Good Environmental Status in wider marine areas in line with EU policy objectives.

An ecosystem-based approach to management underpins the project, addressing human activities in an integrated manner through the active engagement of relevant stakeholders. The core objective of the management processes is to support a shift towards the sustainable use of the marine environment, while actively promoting the restoration of disturbed or deteriorated habitats and species.

Through these efforts, the project aims to contribute to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems in Maltese waters.

For more information, please utilise the following links:

• https://era.org.mt/projects/emfaf/
• https://fondi.eu/

This project is co-financed by the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027. 

 

12 February 2026

Malta’s first-ever geological park at Dwejra-Qawra area in Gozo to be governed by new conservation regulations and Steering Committee

New regulations will govern Malta’s first-ever geological park at the Dwejra Bay area in Gozo and the surrounding environment of il-Qawra tad-Dwejra.
A public consultation on these regulations was launched during an educational walk at Dwejra Bay with the participation of Ministers Miriam Dalli and Minister Clint Camilleri together with ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca, Local Council representatives, Eco-Gozo representatives, local schoolchildren amongst other stakeholders.

The Dwejra-Qawra zone in Gozo hosts a number of important geological and geomorphological features with its coastal cliffs, stacks, its picturesque Inland Sea, valleys and reefs. The new regulations designate this part of western Gozo as a Site of Geological Importance, laying down rules intended at conserving and protecting this area of natural beauty and its unique geological features.

With the proposed rules, the Dwejra Steering Committee will assist ERA and Eco Gozo to implement conservation measures on controlling light pollution and the permitting of recreational activities in the protected area.
These include restrictions on harmful or potentially harmful activities that could affect the biodiversity, geological, and landscape features at Dwejra and the western cliffs of Gozo. Such restrictions include any dumping of waste material, species protection, taking of fossils, offroading as well as regulation of camping and kindling of fires in more sensitive areas. Restrictions on light and noise pollution for the Dwejra area already exist for mariners, but these will now extend inland to prohibit light projections on the cliffs or loud music, or any unnecessary noise within the terrestrial part of protected site. Nearby vessels will also have to switch off all external lights between sunset and sunrise of the following day, except for lights strictly required for safety onboard, for safe navigation purposes or for fishing. While camping fires are allowed in the protected area, these will be prohibited in high-risk areas within the Natura 2000 site in the Il-Qawra zone, where key habitats have already suffered considerable damage due to fires in the last years.

The public consultation will receive submissions from stakeholders and other interested parties on the draft Dwejra Protection and Management Regulations, before these are officially published as a Legal Notice under the Environment Protection Act.

Minister Miriam Dalli said that the launch of the public consultation marks an important step in safeguarding one of Malta’s most iconic natural sites. “Dwejra is a place of exceptional geological, ecological and cultural value, not only for Gozo but for the whole country. These regulations are about conservation and responsible enjoyment, ensuring that this unique landscape is protected for future generations. Public participation is essential to make these measures effective and inclusive,” Minister Dalli said.

Minister Clint Camilleri stated that Dwejra is one of Gozo’s most important natural landmarks, and these regulations are essential to safeguard its unique geological and environmental value. He stressed the need for “a balanced approach that protects this site while allowing for responsible enjoyment and I welcome the public consultation as a key step towards transparency and sustainable management for the benefit of present and future generations.”
ERA’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca said the public consultation will be essential for ERA to analyse submissions and amend the proposed regulations if necessary. “We welcome the public’s interest in ERA’s public consultations – key stakeholders, NGOs and members of the public have been instrumental in fine-tuning our environment regulations, and we take on board their concerns as much as possible, while also considering socio-economic realities,” Mercieca said.

ERA urges those who wish to participate in this public consultation by visiting https://era.org.mt/dwejra-protection-and-management-regulations-2026/ for more information. The public consultation is open until the 3rd of March 2026.

3 February 2026