Introduction

The development of the C-COVER Coastal-Climate Overall Vulnerability and Exposure Risk – protection strategy for the Maltese Islands is an initiative funded by the European Commission’s (EC) Technical Support Instrument upon request of the Maltese Public Works Department (PWD), Ministry for Transport Infrastructure & Capital Projects (MTIP), and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). It aims to secure economically and environmentally sustainable coastal protection management taking climate change into account.

Concretely, the project seeks to:

• to develop a national integrative instrument that will: identify the full range of policy priorities in order to reduce coastal pressures, while protecting and preserving the shoreline mostly exposed to coastal dynamics.
• to assess coastal risks and identify sustainable, suitable, and effective protective solutions, that take into account the impacts of climate change, the integrated management of water and land-side resources, and land-sea interactions.
• to promote national harmonization among the various ministries and key stakeholders, to implement of coastal protection solutions for the Maltese Islands, by establishing a consistent and holistic strategic framework at national level.

This project is being implemented by the Coastal & Marine Union (EUCC) and its core team of experts: the Environmental Hydraulics Institute of the University of Cantabria (IHCantabria), AKTIS Hydraulics, the University of Malta, supported by international experts.

This project is funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument.

Working in close cooperation with the Maltese Authorities PWD and MTA, over the next 24 months, the team will also focus on the engagement of stakeholders and communication activities that will facilitate the need for an holistic and integrative process. It is expected that this action will allow the Maltese Authorities to take up the necessary measures to ensure sustainability of coastal functions and activities in the entire Maltese Islands coastline.

Project Details

PROJECT TITLE	Formulation of a Coastal-Climate Overall Vulnerability and Exposure Risk Protection Strategy for the Maltese Islands, based on a Scientific Integrative Coastal Erosion Risk Assessment Framework (C-Cover Protection Strategy
DURATION	24 months (October 2021- 2023)
PROJECT LOCATION	Malta

Beneficiaries

LEAD BENEFICIARY	Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects
OTHER BENEFICIARIES	Ministry for the Environment, Energy and  Enterprise;
	Ministry for Gozo;
	Planning Authority;
	Environment & Resources Authority;
	Malta Tourism Authority;
	Civil Protection Department;
	University of Malta
SERVICE PROVIDER	This project is funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by EUCC in collaboration with its experts, in cooperation with the European Commission

 

 

Introduction

The FAST project aims to work on the prevention and management of the introduction, spread and settlement of invasive alien species within Natura 2000 sites across the IT-MT area. This will be done through the identification and management of both invasive alien species as well as their vectors through containment and/or eradication, to limit and/or completely avoid their introduction and settlement in the EU territory, and therefore help prevent loss of biodiversity and indigenous species in identified areas across the two islands. Through this project, 14 effective restoration interventions will be carried out in identified sites disturbed by invasive alien species to protect and encourage habitat regeneration.

 

 

Project activities will be carried out within terrestrial and aquatic environments with a high cross-border character. Intervention will be carried out in four Sicilian sites within the Natura 2000 network (Riserva naturale Foce del Fiume Simeto and Lago Gornalunga, Riserva naturale Fiume Fiumefreddo, Riserva naturale Foce del Fiume Irminio e Riserva naturale Vallata del Fiume Ippari) and in three Maltese sites (L-Inħawi tal-Buskett u tal-Girgenti, L-Inħawi tax-Xlendi u tal-Wied tal-Kantra, Il-Magħluq tal-Baħar ta’ Marsaskala).

 

The project activities will include the identification of:

• ≤10 Invasive Alien Species catalogued and characterized
• 30 IAS at risk introduction
• 15 IAS monitored in protected areas
• 10 threatened target species and definition of the various types of restoration interventions
• 4 target species of IAS eradicate/contained

 

The project’s expected results are:

• 5 sq. km of surface areas subject to invasive alien species interception actions, their containment and recovery of the terrestrial biodiversity of the two islands in four Natura 2000 sites in Sicily and three in Malta;
• 1,000 citizens/users trained and made aware of environmental issues and involved in monitoring actions;
• 20 stakeholders, technicians and researchers institutional partners specifically trained for the network management of invasive alien species.

 

Project details 

PROJECT TITLE	FAST- Fight Alien Species Transborder
DURATION	November 2020 – May 2023 (30 MONTHS)
TOTAL BUDGET OF THE PROJECT	€ 1,559,120
ERDF CONTRIBUTION	€ 1,260,227

Beneficiaries 

LEAD

Università degli Studi di Catania – Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali

PARTNERS

Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights – Plant Protection Directorate – Rural Affairs Department University of Malta – Institute of Earth Systems – Division of Rural Sciences and Food Systems Città Metropolitana di Catania – 2° dipartimento – 4° Servizio “Gestione Riserve Naturali” Libero Consorzio Comunale di Ragusa – Settore V Pianificazione Territoriale e Sviluppo Locale – U.O. Riserve Naturali

 

Introduction

The existing air monitoring network which is operated and maintained by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), monitors the levels of a number of radionuclides in the air for the purpose of assuring protection for both human health and the environment. However, the network does not currently include monitoring of levels of the radionuclide Iodine-131. Albeit, the risk of airborne release from radioiodine from local sources in Malta is low, the presence of airborne Iodine-131 is a good indicator of nuclear emergencies with atmospheric releases. In the case of such emergencies, information on the levels of this contaminant is important for Malta’s emergency response and for providing information at an international level, thus aiding the governmental and regulatory framework for safety and security, whilst increasing the protection of human health and the environment.

The overall aim of the project is to strengthen the existing environmental monitoring capacities in Malta with the additional monitoring and measuring of radionuclide Iodine-131 in air, which will also fall under the responsibility of ERA.

 

To achieve such an aim a number of objectives can be defined:

1. Procure automatic airborne radioiodine monitor for existing monitoring station
2. Train personnel on the operation of the radioiodine monitor
3. Perform instrument qualification and establish protocols and procedures

The envisaged results for this project include:

1. Radioiodine monitor is purchased, installed and tested
2. Technical staff at ERA including technicians and environmental officers are trained on the use of this monitor and procedures and protocols for use are established
3. Annual data on the levels of radioiodine  will be available as part of radiological monitoring report for Malta

The project will start in 2022 and will be completed by 2023.

 

Project Details
PROJECT TITLE	Monitoring of Gaseous Radioactive Iodine in the Air
DURATION	2 years
TOTAL BUDGET	€67180
TOTAL IAEA CONTRIBUTION (95%)	€63821
ERA CONTRIBIUTION (5%)	€3359
PROJECT LOCATION	Malta
Beneficiaries
LEAD	ERA

Introduction

ERA is participating in a project entitled ‘Mapping and monitoring of Posidonia oceanica using remote and sentinel technology’ (MAARES) funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) Space Research Fund. MAARES aims to use Remote Sensing (RS) as an innovative approach for the mapping of Posidonia oceanica to facilitate and improve its monitoring – an invaluable piece of information for its management as a priority habitat at European Union (EU) level (Habitats Directive 92/43/CEE).

The overall aim of this project is to make available high spatial resolution maps to provide essential information about the seagrass ecology to be able to achieve a better understanding of biodiversity, ecological services and future sustainability of the seagrass across the Maltese Islands. Such project output will ultimately enable a more efficient conservation management of the P. oceanica, which to date, still suffers adverse impacts from the ever-increasing human-based influences, including climate change, which are leading to increasing pressures over these sea meadows.

This project, will test the effectiveness of using sentinel-2 data for the remote monitoring of P. oceanica in complex shallow water conditions. Sentinel-2 image results will be validated with underwater geo-referenced images, together with images captured from Unmanned Aerial Images (UAVs) to generate high resolution and multi-spectral orthomosiacs. In this model, a comprehensive workflow will be employed which shall include the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as well as machine learning based classification of the benthic environment to enable the precision mapping of sea grass meadow extent.

Such project’s efforts reflect the obligation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) – MSFD, which presents a framework for EU member states to manage human activities in the marine environment in a sustainable manner, so as to ensure a Good Environmental Status (GES) of the marine waters. One way of achieving this, as stipulated by the Directive and as ERA’s obligation as the responsible Authority for the implementation of the said Directive, is to implement a monitoring programme for the ongoing assessment of GES. Thus, this data collection process coupled with its monitoring is a key response to better policy implementation and better applied conservation initiatives to safeguard this priority habitat.

The project was launched on the 3^rd February 2022.

Project Details
PROJECT TITLE	Mapping And monitoring of Posidonia oceanica using Remote and Sentinel technology (MAARES)
DURATION	20 months (September 2021- 2023)
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET	€181,899.40
TOTAL GRANT REQUESTED	€150,000 (co-funded by the MCST Space Fund Programme and Malta’s Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning)
PROJECT LOCATION	Malta

 

Beneficiaries
LEAD	Ambjent Malta
PARTNERS	Environment & Resources Authority, University of Malta, PIXAM LTD

 

 

Introduction

ERA is participating in CORALLO, a project that aims to promote the responsible enjoyment of ecosystem services and the assets offered within Marine Natura 2000 (N2K) sites. CORALLO, is led by the University of Malta and is part-financed through the INTERREG V-A Italia-Malta 2014-2020 EU Programme. The Environment and Resources Authority, Heritage Malta and four Sicilian partners; ARPA Sicilia, the University of Palermo, the Consorzio Plemminiro and Corissia make up the project partnership.

More than 35% of Maltese waters are designated as ‘Marine Protected Areas’ under the N2K network, encompassing 18 sites and covering over 4100 km² , approximately 13 times the size of Malta’s landmass. Notwithstanding this, awareness on the immense variety of living and non-living organisms present within these sites is limited. The principle objective of CORALLO is to address this lack of awareness through a diverse array of tools focusing on education and entertainment.

Tools will include various resources and means of informal education for a varied spectrum of audiences and will be installed at six popular visitors’ centres: the Malta Maritime Museum; the Għar Dalam Museum; Ħaġar Qim/Mnajdra; and the White Tower Bay Visitors’ Centre, and at two others in Sicily.

ERA is leading the project’s work package set on coordinating outreach efforts on the correct enjoyment of N2K sites. Under this work package, the partnership aims to develop a number of deliverables, including a project brand, promotional items, an audience stakeholder analysis and dissemination strategy, as well as audio-visual content material for mass dissemination. The Authority will also be managing a project website and social media portals, whilst also organising a number of dissemination events.

The project was launched on the 15^th November 2020 and has a duration of 30 months.

Project Details

PROJECT TITLE	CORALLO Correct Enjoyment (and Awareness Raising) of Natura 2000 Locations
DURATION	Q4 2020 – Q2 2023
TOTAL BUDGET	€1,591,572.70
TOTAL EU CONTRIBUTION (85%)	€1,352,836.2 (85% EU Funds)
ERA TOTAL BUDGET	€179,939.85
EU CONTRIBUTION (85%)	€152,948.87
ERA CONTRIBUTION (15%)	€26,990.98
PROJECT LOCATION	Malta, Sicily

Beneficiaries

LEAD	University of Malta
PARTNERS	Environment & Resources Authority; Heritage Malta; ARPA Sicilia; University of Palermo; Consorzio Plemmirio; Corissia.

Contact

For more information about the project, visit the website or contact us on: [email protected].

Introduction

The importance of the marine environment in securing livelihoods and ensuring good quality of life cannot be underestimated. Our oceans provide food, regulate climate, and sustain a wide range of economic sectors. It is also a known fact that marine waters are facing significant pressures and threats from human activities which need to be addressed through effective management and the protection of biodiversity. For this management to be effective, it must be based on a sound understanding of the marine environment and the pressures it faces.

This project contributes to the effective management and sustainable use of marine resources, through sustained environmental monitoring in marine waters with the aim to assess the state of Malta’s marine waters on a continuous basis, and address current knowledge gaps. Concrete data will be used to develop better management practices to address these pressures.

The project was launched on the 31st July 2017 and concluded in June 2022.

A large part of the project was implemented through service contract CT 3031/2016, between July 2017 and March 2020, which was awarded to the Malta Marine Monitoring Consortium (M3C). The contract had a value of €1,774,000 excluding VAT, and was partially funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for 2014-2020.

Following the closure of the above mentioned contract, additional monitoring and assessment focusing on marine mammals and reptiles, seabirds and food webs, was implemented, making use of project savings through separate procurement processes. The three contracts were implemented between 2020 and 2022:

• GF/Admin/40/2020 – ‘Service tender for the establishment and pilot implementation of a long-term strategy for Marine Mammals and Marine Reptiles in Maltese Waters’ –was awarded to EcoMarine Malta, with a value of €116,255 excluding VAT
• GF/Admin/48/2020 – ‘Service tender for the establishment and implementation of a long-term monitoring strategy for breeding seabirds in Malta’ – was awarded to BirdLife Malta, with a value of €48,000 excluding VAT
• SPD8/2021/016 – ‘Tender for the Analysis of Marine Trophic Guilds in Maltese Waters’ – was awarded to AIS Environment Ltd., with a value of €16,242 excluding VAT

These three contracts were each 75% funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for 2014-2020. The Managing Authority of the EMFF Operational Programme is the Funds and Programmes Division within the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands (MEFL).

More information on the EMFF OP can be found here.

Activities

The project centres around four main activities:

• Implementation and updating of the monitoring programme
• Development of a marine database system
• Analysis of monitoring data, assessment of environmental status and proposals of environmental targets
• Information and Publicity

More information on each of these activities can be found here.

Project Details

PROJECT TITLE	Marine environmental monitoring: towards effective management of Malta’s marine waters
DURATION	Q1 2017 – Q2 2022
GRANT REQUESTED	€1,788,497
EU CONTRIBUTION	€1,341,372.75 (75% EU Funds)
PROJECT LOCATION	Malta

 Beneficiaries

LEAD	Environment and Resources Authority

 

Contact

For more information about the project, contact us.

Introduction

This project is funded by the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP), which is coordinated by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM). The service provider for the project is the European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL).

The support measures will respond to the need for a strong environmental regulator and specifically the growth of the Authority, as well as the need to complete and streamline its regulatory processes. The project will involve reform and capacity-building to assist with the streamlining and completion of authorisation processes, and the strengthening of the Environment Permitting Unit and the Compliance and Enforcement Directorate within the Authority. In particular, the measures will contribute to:

1. Strengthening and consolidating compliance with the EU environmental acquis;
2.  Easier compliance with environmental regulation for businesses;
3. Compliance with requirements of a 21st century environmental regulator;
4. Definition of clearer and more efficient processes and practices;
5. Increased capacity for permission and inspection, compliance assurance and enforcement;
6. Enhanced transparency in environmental regulation; and,
7. Enhanced capacity to use e-governance.

Objective

The objective of the project is to support ERA in its efforts to strengthen regulatory processes and meet the demands expected of a 21st century environmental regulator. This effort will, in turn, contribute to the national economic goals by enabling environmental regulation that does not put undue burden on businesses and operators whilst improving quality of life in the Maltese islands.

The project has three main components:

A. Qualitative Assessment of Regulatory Effort – In which an assessment of the current system will be taking place, closely followed by the proposition of a roadmap for change.

B. Capacity-Building– In which a training needs assessment will be undertaken to develop a made-to-measure training programme for ERA’s officers within the Environment Permitting Unit and the Compliance and Enforcement Directorate.

C. Increased Information Management Capabilities – In which internal systems will be developed to manage information in an increasingly efficient manner.

Project Details

PROJECT REFERENCE	SRSS/S2019/072 – SRSP2019/90.01
PROJECT TITLE	Reform and capacity building in permissions and compliance at ERA (Environment and Resources Authority)
DURATION	FEB-2020 to FEB 2022 (24 months)
TOTAL BUDGET (100% funded by the EU)	€450,000
PROJECT LOCATION	Malta

Beneficiaries

SERVICE PROVIDER	IMPEL (European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law)
SOLE BENEFICIARY	Environment and Resources Authority

Introduction

In the Mediterranean Sea, the intensive use of maritime space, calls for integrated management to avoid cumulative impacts and user conflicts. Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) – the harmonisation of human activities in marine area is advocated as a powerful approach to reach these goals. However, in most Mediterranean countries, MSP is still in its infancy.

Objectives

The main objectives of AMAre project are to:

• Develop shared methodologies and geospatial tools for multiple stressors assessment, coordinated environmental monitoring, multi-criteria analyses, and stakeholders’ engagements, and
• Develop concrete pilot actions and coordinated strategies in selected Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to address hot spots of conflicts affecting marine biodiversity and the services it provides.

The expected results are:

• Transnational cooperation and policy recommendations;
• Development of coordinated best practices;
• Data access to share information and concrete stakeholder;
• Users involvement .

The project will assist in scaling up strategies and recommendations at a transnational level. This will aid in adopting an ecosystem-based approach and consider the goals of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) across MPAs.

Project details

PROJECT REFERENCE	AMAre (649)
PROJECT TITLE	Actions for Marine Protected Areas
DURATION	November 2016 – October 2019
TOTAL BUDGET OF THE PROJECT	€ 2,663,093.33
TOTAL BUDGET FOR MALTA	€ 380,000.00
EU CONTRIBUTION FOR MALTA	€ 323,000.00

Beneficiaries

LEAD	CoNISMa (Italy)
PARTNERS	CMCC, Italy; CNR-ISMAR, Italy; University of Malta, Malta; Spanish National Research Council, Spain; HCMR, Greece; IFREMER, France; Management Consortium of Torre Guaceto, Italy; Management Body of The National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades, Greece; Regional Government of the Balearic Islands – Department of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Spain.

Further information on the project can be accessed through the following links:

• Project website : https://amare.interreg-med.eu/
• Twitter account : https://twitter.com/AMAreMed
• Geoportal: http://gismarblack.bo.ismar.cnr.it:8080/mokaApp/apps/AMAV3H5/index.html?null
• Informative videos:

Introduction

The HARMONY project will investigate seabed integrity and Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) at Posidonia oceanica, maërl and Dendropoma petraeum reef habitats, across the following Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):

• Two National MPAs (Isole Pelagie and Capo Gallo Isola delle Femmine, Sicily),
• Two Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) (Fondali di Capo San Marco and Fondali dell’Isola di Capo Passero, Sicily);
• Special Protection Zones in the Stretto di Messina, Sicily, and
• Two SCIs (Żona fil-Baħar bejn il-Ponta ta’ San Dimitri (Għawdex) u Il-Qaliet and Żona fil-Baħar bejn Rdum Majjiesa u Għar Lapsi, Malta).

Objectives

HARMONY aims to suggest a set of monitoring and control measures between cross-border regions of Sicily and Malta providing actions between the two regions to recognise:

1. seafloor integrity and the inhabiting species, and
2. effects of habitat fragmentation in facilitating the diffusion of NIS.

By integrating these two aspects, HARMONY will improve our understanding of marine ecosystem functioning in a cross-border context. Due to their cross-border relationship, Italy and Malta can benefit from building a common framework and a set of aligned approaches addressing shared and similar biological resources. Additionally, these can reflect both country’s similar social and economic structures, helping to avoid future stakeholder conflicts and preventing the loss of goods and ecosystem services.

By focussing on D.2 (NIS) and D.6 (Sea-floor integrity) descriptors from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), HARMONY will develop proposals for integrated actions and measures relating to seafloor integrity and NIS to feed into the management plans of the relevant Natura 2000 sites and habitats.

Furthermore, the creation of an Italian-Maltese network of universities, research institutes and stakeholders operating in the environmental protection sector will enable:

1. the use of monitoring and control tools for seafloor integrity and NIS, as well as respective socio-economic activities;
2. integration of the European strategy for smart and sustainable Blue Growth, and
3. support competent authorities at European, National and Regional levels via awareness and knowledge of measures on how to deal with the loss of biodiversity, and how to maintain and restore marine ecosystems.

HARMONY outputs will produce joint strategy recommendations and develop common EDRR tools (Early Detection & Rapid Response) to address NIS challenges in Italy and Malta. Monitoring networks based on participatory processes (citizen science) will also take place, in order to help align policy actions between Italy and Malta. Such policy actions will help inform potential shared governance structures for the transboundary threat of NIS for Italy and Malta.

Project Details

PROJECT REFERENCE	C1-3.1-31
PROJECT TITLE	HARMONY – Armonizzazione Italo-Maltese per un buono stato dell’ambiente: integrità dei fondali ed interazione con le specie invasive per preservare il funzionamento degli ecosistemi marini
DURATION	28 February 2018 – February 2021
TOTAL BUDGET	€ 1,675,245.76
EU CONTRIBUTION	€ 1,377,467.50

Beneficiaries

LEAD	UniPa – University of Palermo
PARTNERS	Ispra – (Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research); CNR-IAMC – (The Institute for the Coastal Marine Environment of the National Research Council); REGSIC – (The Regional Fishing Directorate); UOM – (University of Malta); DFA – (Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture); ERA – (Environment and Resources Authority).

Further information on the project can be accessed through the following links:

• Project website : http://www.harmony-italiamalta.eu/index.html
• Facebook page: http://fb.me/HarmonyItaliaMaltaProject
• Twitter account : https://twitter.com/harmony_itma

Introduction

The WINPOL project has been launched as a means to introduce innovative intelligent equipment in the field of waste. The overall aim is to improve policies for waste management so that they increasingly foster and promote the use of intelligent equipment and systems for waste disposal and collection, to contribute to waste minimisation in European cities and regions, through improved management procedures and awareness campaigns.

Objectives

The 9 project partners are joining forces to mainstream the use of intelligent equipment and related waste management policies on their territories and beyond. They will do so in two different phases:

• Phase 1 – “Interregional Learning”

  During that phase, partners will identify good practices, exchange experiences and elaborate action plans on the transfer of good practices and experiences on their territories. All good practices identified will be compiled in a handbook, available to all. Several study-visits are planned to understand the situation on the partner territories and to discover good practices from other cities, namely Bergen (Norway) and Ghent (Belgium).

• Phase 2 – “Monitoring of the Action Plan Implementation”

  This phase will focus on the implementation of the action plans produced with the aim of improving partners’ policy instruments.

ERA will benefit from this project through strengthened relations with other European organisations involved in waste regulation and management, sharing experience and best practices, and ultimately moving closer towards achieving its waste management objectives for the Maltese Islands. In particular, this project shall be highly beneficial for Malta, facilitating proper disposal methods and the smart management of waste, especially in highly frequented areas such as beaches, natural areas and city centres.

Project Details

PROJECT TITLE	WINPOL- Waste Management Intelligent Systems and Policies
DURATION	01 June 2018 – 30 November 2022 (54 months)
TOTAL BUDGET	€ 1,363,045.00 (of which ERA’s share is €90,967)
PROJECT LOCATION	Malta, Spain, Belgium, Greece (Crete), Slovenia, Romania

Beneficiaries

LEAD	EMULSA – Municipal Company of Urban Environment Services of Gijón, Spain
PARTNERS	ACR+ – Association of Cities and Regions for the Recycling and Sustainable Management of Resources, Belgium; City of Antwerp, Belgium; ERA – Environment and Resources Authority, Malta; Region of Crete, Greece; Municipality of Heraklion, Greece; Snaga – company for waste management and other utility services, Slovenia; Drobeta Turnu Severin City Hall, Romania; Mehedinti County Council, Romania.

Learn more about the project here and subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date with the project, receive newsletters, updates and regular news by filling in this form.

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