ERA’s Role as a Responsible Authority

The Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) is not the competent authority for SEA. The competent authority for SEA in Malta is the SEA Focal Point within the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change (MESDC). Guidance and advice on the implementation of SEA should be sought from the SEA Focal Point. Further information is available on https://environmentcms.gov.mt/en/sea/Pages/whatIsSea.aspx.

In accordance with the provisions of S.L. 549.61, ERA is identified as one of the Designated Authorities and a Responsible Authority.

Responsible Authorities

Plan proponents in the public sector (legally referred as “responsible authorities”) are responsible for carrying out an SEA of their plans and programmes. Following a change in the local SEA Regulations in 2010, it is now the responsibility of government and public authorities, in their capacity as plan proponents, to determine whether an SEA is required for their own plans and programmes in accordance with the provisions of S.L. 549.61. Therefore, in its separate function as a regulatory plan maker or environmental protection, ERA is required to carry out an SEA of its own plans and programmes in line with the same legal parameters that apply to other plan proponents.