Introduction

The marine environment is associated with diverse ecosystem services that are essential for human wellbeing. As a result of various human activities and use of the marine environment, marine biodiversity is facing various threats and challenges.  Hence the importance of ensuring sustainable use of marine resources. To better manage the marine environment, Malta has designated Marine Protected Areas for the conservation of important habitats and species (Conservation Measures and Objectives) and issued Programmes of Measures targeting the sustainable use of the wider marine waters (3rd RBMP Malta and MFSD Programme of Measures). Malta’s European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, EMFAF 2021-2027, provides the opportunity for funding implementation of such management processes. The Environment and Resources Authority will be handling projects falling within the scope of Specific Objective 1.6 of the EMFAF Operational Programme. 

In order to address Specific Objective 1.6, the project shall seek to:

  • engage all relevant stakeholders throughout the implementation of marine management processes to achieve effective management of marine uses.
  • provide the necessary knowledge and information to ensure informed management decisions and enable capacity building for management processes.
  • raise awareness on the importance of marine resources to enable behavioural changes that contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems.
  • implement restoration efforts to assist in the recovery of marine habitats and species.

 

Expected results

The project is expected to result in improved engagement of stakeholders in management processes for Marine Protected Areas and the wider marine environment, which coupled to a strong investment in awareness raising, is expected to facilitate uptake of sustainable practices and uses by relevant sectors.

The project will also result in improved knowledge on the importance of the marine environment across the general public which will facilitate behavioural changes contributing to conservation of marine habitats and species. Furthermore, the project will result in the reduction of disturbance to sensitive species from anthropogenic activity and improve knowledge on restoration processes for seabed habitats.

Overall, the project is expected to increase trends in the sustainability of marine uses and marine restoration linked to a better quality of the marine environment, better quality for marine users and also to ensure the availability of marine resources for future generations and economic viability which are dependent on such resources. In addition, the project will contribute to other EU policy objectives including the targets of the Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Nature Restoration Regulation.

 

Project Details

Project Reference: EMFAF.P1.209

Project Title: “Marine Conservation: An inclusive approach to managing marine resources”

Duration: June 2024 – December 2027

Total funds: €7,750,000

EU Contribution: €5,425,000

Project Location: Malta

 

Beneficiaries

Lead: Environment and Resources Authority

Partners: Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources Malta, Transport Malta, Ambjent Malta, Birdlife Malta and Nature Trust Malta