Public Consultation

Malta’s Proposed National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species

Start date: 27 July 2018

Closing date: 10 August 2018

Title of the public consultation: Malta’s Proposed National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species

Ministry: MESDC

Entity: Environment & Resources Authority

1. Background

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is preparing a “National Strategy for Preventing and Mitigating the Impact of Invasive Alien Species in the Maltese Islands”, in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) as adopted by the Government of Malta in terms of the same Act.

Measure BI2 of the NBSAP identified the need to set up a systematic and coherent national strategy on invasive non-native species based on the Convention on Biological Diversity’s three-stage hierarchical approach, which includes prevention, early detection of the species, and rapid action by eradication, containment and control (where feasible).

The main objectives of the proposed ‘National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species’ are:

To establish a comprehensive and proactive framework for dealing with invasions of non-native species;
To provide coordinated measures for: prevention of harmful introductions, risk
assessments, early detection, rapid response and factors to be considered for effective management and follow-up;
To contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and their associated services, as well as social and economic safeguard through the elimination of the pressures and threats posed by invasive alien species;
To give an overview of the legal requirements of global, regional and national legislation as well as provides strategic direction on how to address invasive alien species at a national level followed by recommendations;
To fulfil the requirements of Malta’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP, 2012-2020; Measures BI1 to BI3) and to create the impetus needed to achieve the national biodiversity target that calls for prevention, control and eradication of invasive alien species.

2. Consultation questions

The public is invited to submit any feedback or comments on the intent and objectives of this National Strategy.

3. Documents

n/a

4. Submission of feedback:

E-mail: [email protected]

5. Further notes:

The proposed National Action Plan will be available for public consultation in duecourse at the following web link.

For further information: contact ERA on [email protected] or on 2292 3500.

Malta’s Proposed National Codes of Good Practice

Start date: 27 July 2018

Closing date: 10 August 2018

Title of the public consultation: Malta’s Proposed National Codes of Good Practice on Invasive Alien Species

Ministry: MESDC

Entity: Environment & Resources Authority

1. Background

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is preparing “National SectorSpecific Codes of Good Practice in relation to Invasive Alien Species in the Maltese Islands”, in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) as adopted by the Government of Malta in terms of the same Act.

Measure BI4 of the NBSAP identified the need that key stakeholder groups (such as traders like pet shops, breeders and nurseries, as well as land and sea users) cooperate to prevent the unwanted release and/or escape and spread of non-native and invasive species into the environment. To assist this, national codes of best practices will be established in consultation with key stakeholders and adopted for those sectors that can aid the introduction and spread of invasive species.

The main objectives of the proposed ‘National Codes of Best Practice’ are:

To set up a series of sector-specific codes to raise awareness and promote good practice to curb the risks associated with introducing and using alien species that exhibit an invasive potential;
To put forward a series of recommendations based on the principle of selfregulation, tailored to a particular sector, that may aid the introduction and spread of alien species
To provide practical and concise guidance in establishing common standards of good practice and responsible attitudes and behaviours when using alien species in that sector
To provide policy documents that are complementary to national legislation and support the implementation of the proposed National Strategy on Invasive Alien Species.