In accordance with Article 69 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has compiled comprehensive lists that include protected areas, habitats and species, as well as lists of detrimental species, and conservation orders. These lists also refer to the respective subsidiary legislation under Cap. 549, ensuring that all relevant information is easily accessible for reference.

The list of protected areas includes a comprehensive list of protected sites, which have been designated to ensure the protection of their biodiversity and natural habitats. The list is compiled based on protected sites in accordance with the provisions of Cap. 549. The list of protected areas can be accessed through this link.

The list of protected habitats includes a diverse range of ecosystems, from terrestrial woodlands and coastal dunes to freshwater and marine habitats. To ensure the protection of these areas, certain sites are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). However, it is important to note that not all habitats listed in Schedule I of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.44) are automatically protected, as sites must demonstrate a certain degree of ecological significance and contribute to both national and European biodiversity to qualify for designation as SACs. The list of protected habitats can be accessed through this link.

The list of protected species consolidates all species that are afforded legal protection through a comprehensive framework of subsidiary legislation, and it includes terrestrial, freshwater, and marine species. Species protection is subject to the Competent Authority’s opinion on potential damage or adverse effects, and certain exceptions apply as specified in relevant notices, Orders, or Plans. The list of protected species can be accessed through this link.

The groups of protected species list includes certain groups of species, including all endemics (unless explicitly exempted in Schedule X of S.L. 549.44), that are protected in their entirety under the relevant legislation. As defined in S.L. 549.44 (vide Regulation 3), endemic species are defined as those species found in Malta and which are either species of biogeographical importance or species whose native distribution range is limited to Malta only or to the Central Mediterranean region only.  This region includes Sicily and circum-Sicilian islands (including Pantelleria and the Pelagian Islands), the Maltese Islands and islands off Tunisia. Such endemic species also include potentially endemic species whose taxonomic status or identity requires further analysis. The groups of protected species list can be accessed through this link.

The list of species detrimental to the environment includes a variety of trees, shrubs, plants, animals and algae that are legally prohibited. These species include invasive, alien or environmentally incompatible species. The list of species detrimental to the environment can be accessed through this link.

The list of conservation orders includes a list of Government Notices through which conservation orders have been established to safeguard areas of ecological and scientific importance such as national and international SACs. Conservation orders provide legally binding measures to ensure the protection and management of habitats and species within these designated sites. The list of conservation orders can be accessed through this link.

Links to biodiversity registers:

Links to relevant legislation:

Links to relevant Government Notices: