2024 saw the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) achieving milestones across various environmental sectors, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustainability, regulatory practice, and thematic works.

At a glance:

  • In 2024 ERA processed over 20,000 environmental authorisations.
  • Over 4,880 enforcement cases initiated, 1,300 administrative fines issued.
  • 23% reduction in mixed waste (black bags) through waste separation campaign.
  • Malta moves closer to 30% biodiversity target of land designated Special Area of Conservation.

The Environment and Resources Authority processed well over 20,000 applications for environmental authorisations in 2024, with another 15,000 applications from 2024 and previous years determined during the same year. The figures testify to ERA’s continued importance in the vast field of environmental permitting and regulation, ranging from customs clearances of controlled products to operational permits for large industrial installations.

As detailed in its annual report for 2024, which was discussed in the House of Representatives, ERA is mitigating and preventing several environmental impacts and risks from a vast array of activities and operations.

“This is done through sustainable decisions and by integrating key environmental considerations in permits through conditions and approved technical specifications,” said ERA’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Mercieca.

With ERA now taking over the resources aspect from the Malta Resources Authority, the Environmental Permitting Unit is now responsible for processing applications for registrations related to groundwater resources and licensing of quarry operation.

The Environmental Permitting Regulations, entered into force earlier on this year, will provide more clarity in prescribing which applications will also be scrutinised by the public. “The regulations are being made to streamline, and for some sectors, replace existing permitting regimes on a multitude of operations, interventions or activities. Additionally, the regulatory scope will be extended to other areas currently unregulated,” Kevin Mercieca said.

Minister for Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli, praised ERA’s leadership and senior management in a speech to the House of Representatives discussing the annual report.
“They are a dedicated team, united by a common mission to protect the environment and ensure an environmentally sustainable quality of life for all. I thank all ERA’s employees for their dedication in safeguarding and protecting our environment – not only for today, but for future generations. ERA is showing that through sheer will and administrative rigour, we can build sturdy environmental policies.”

Over 4,880 enforcement cases

Through its Compliance and Enforcement arm, ERA investigates complaints and carries out routine inspections on many unpermitted operations harmful to the environment, from illegal dumping to wildlife trafficking. But its monitoring teams also address compliance aspects related to quarries, industrial facilities, marine issues, waste shipments, single-use plastics (SUPs), extended producer responsibility, wildlife crime investigations, activities in protected sites and biodiversity.

This enormous workload in 2024 saw well over 4,880 investigative cases, while having closed 4,238 cases in the same year, including some very complex enforcement cases spanning over multiple years.

Apart from the various enforcement tools adopted, such as Official Warnings, Stop and Compliance Orders and Court proceedings, ERA issued 1,301 administrative fines in 2024. ERA in fact directed substantial efforts and resources to reinforce compliance and enforcement, strategically targeting littering and proper waste disposal practices in Malta and Gozo.

“Our ultimate goal is to remedy environmental harm when possible and ensure that those responsible face appropriate penalties. Embracing our role as an educator, we focused on increasing awareness and compliance with environmental laws, not just with warnings or administrative fines, but also through public campaigns. Notably, we saw a significant increase in the number of fines and warnings issued compared to the previous year, especially in areas like mandatory waste separation. These warnings aim to educate the public before stricter penalties are enforced.” Kevin Mercieca said.

Further progress on implementing the national strategy on waste management, saw a notable 23% reduction in mixed waste in the first year since the introduction of mandatory waste separation regulations.

“In 2025, we look forward to focus on enhancing the management of protected areas, advancing waste separation, and recycling efforts, strengthening compliance and enforcement action, and tackling pollution, particularly through the implementation of new permitting regulation,” Kevin Mercieca said.

New Special Areas of Conservation

 ERA also registered substantial progress in environmental monitoring and plan making, with a new National Strategy on Biodiversity, and a Programme of Measures for the marine environment.  In 2024, ERA also designated new Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) of National Importance, these being Xrobb l-Għaġin, Il-Qortin ta’ Isopu, the Ħondoq ir-Rummien area, il-Ħnejja and Il-Ġebla tal-Fessej – with 13 such national sites, Malta moves closer to its EU biodiversity targets, with almost 30% land designated for protection in Malta.

ERA chairman Vincent Cassar hailed the authority’s commitment to sustainable urban renewal: a significant milestone this year was the inauguration of the regeneration project at Spencer Garden in Marsa, which spans approximately 11 acres.

“This revitalised space has been transformed into a sustainable community hub, integrating solar energy, water filtration and storage systems, and the planting of over 6,000 trees and shrubs. This project reflects our commitment to sustainable urban renewal, ensuring that environmental enhancements directly benefit our communities.”

12 June 2025