The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is celebrating its first anniversary since its inception.
The Authority was set up on the 4th April 2016, as the result of a reform in which the environment was separated from the planning sector, with the aim that this sector is afforded greater importance. This led to ERA being assigned the role to regulate the environment and resources as an autonomous authority.
For this occasion, ERA will be planting 180 trees throughout the year, representing each of its employees. The first trees were planted in the Xrobb l-Għaġin Park at Delimara, Marsaxlokk on Tuesday 4th April, exactly on its anniversary.
ERA organized other activities for this occasion, including blood donation by its employees, a clean-up activity at Majjistral Park which is part of the Natura 2000 area, and removal of invasive alien species from the same place.
Throughout its first year, the Authority actively contributed in the safeguarding of the environment. Its main responsibilities that were carried out throughout its first year included the setting up of 30 Management Plans and Conservation Orders for Natura 2000 Terrestrial Sites, participation in projects financed by the European Union on various topics such as nature, waste and sea, and protection of sites for specific aims, such as in the cases of the turtle nest and the Azure Window. This year, ERA also carried out various analyses of industrial and development activities to reduce the possible negative impact on the environment.
ERA also developed laws and environmental regulations on both the national and international levels so as to protect better the natural environment of the Maltese Islands.
The number of employees within ERA has continued to flourish throughout the year, with plans for further increases, in order to ameliorate all the functions expected of the Authority. ERA looks forward to continue to be of service to the public and the environment.
