CONSULTATION BRIEF
ERA is revising the provisions of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (principal regulations) so as to provide additional protection measures to protected sites and species, as well as strengthen the regulatory and monitoring function of the competent authority.
The proposed amendments shall allow ERA to issue protection notices for the conservation of particular habitats, species, natural features or categories. Such notices, which allow for protection measures to be placed in a timely manner, may include conditions or restrictions to support the conservation of such species or habitats.
Through the proposed regulations additional safeguards shall also be in place for a number of species, including butterflies, orchids, corals and sharks, adding different protection levels to additional species. The Schedules in the principal Regulations are also being proposed for amendment to reflect recent amendments made to the Appendices/Annexes of the CMS (United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild animals) and SPA/BD Protocol (Unities Nations Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean), as well as due to recent scientific advances.
The proposed amending regulations shall moreover strengthen the provisions concerning invasive alien species, providing the possibility of issuing removal orders to facilitate the removal, uprooting or eradication of specimens detrimental to the environment.
Finally, additional penalties have also been introduced particularly for offences undertaken within protected sites.
2. Consultation
In line with article 55 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549) the public is invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these regulations could be amended.
3. Documents
Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection (Amendment) Regulations, 2019
Regolamenti tal-2019 li jemendaw ir-Regolamenti dwar il-Protezzjoni tal-Flora, Fawna u Ambjenti Naturali​​
4. Submission of feedback
Comments will be received by email on [email protected].
5. Further notes
For further information contact ERA on [email protected] or on 2292 3500 Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.
