Introduction
The marine environment is associated with diverse ecosystem services that are essential for human wellbeing. Human dependence on the marine environment is particularly relevant for Malta as an island state, with the use of marine waters resulting in pressures and impacts on marine biodiversity. This highlights the importance of managing the marine environment with a view to work towards sustainable use of marine resources.
As part of the management of our marine biodiversity, Malta has designated Marine Protected Areas for the conservation of important habitats and species (Conservation Objectives and Measures) and issued Programmes of Measures targeting the sustainable use of the wider marine waters (MFSD Programme of Measures and 3rd RBMP Malta). Malta’s allocated funding under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, EMFAF 2021-2027, provides the opportunity for funding implementation of such management processes under Specific Objective 1.6 of Malta’s EMFAF Operational Programme.
The project entitled ‘Marine Conservation – an inclusive approach to Managing Marine Resources’ has been selected for co-financing under Malta’s EMFAF Operational Programme. This project will initiate the implementation these management processes in the marine environment through:
- The engagement of all relevant stakeholders throughout the implementation of marine management processes to achieve effective management of marine uses.
- The provision of the necessary knowledge and information to ensure informed management decisions and enable capacity building for management processes.
- Raising awareness on the importance of marine resources to enable behavioural changes that contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems.
- The implementation of 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, whilst ensuring the availability of marine resources for future generations.
Project Details
Project Reference: EMFAF.P1.209
Project Title: “Marine Conservation: An inclusive approach to managing marine resources”
Duration: June 2024 – December 2027
Project Eligible Cost: €2,656,917
EU Contribution: €1,859,842
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
