The River Basin Management Plan is prepared every six years in line with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), which requires an integrated approach to the management of water environment at a river basin district level, which translates into the water catchment district level in Malta’s case, as per Water Policy Framework Regulations.
The river basin/water catchment district is an area of land where water from rain drains into a body of water such as groundwater, inland surface water and coastal waters. Due to its size Malta has one such district and one River Basin Management Plan (RBMP), covering the whole of its territory and the different water bodies.
The overall aim of the RBMP is to ensure the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of aquatic ecosystems associated with our natural waters. This is achieved through the definition of a set of measures (Programme of Measures) addressing the most significant challenges that Malta’s water resources are facing.
The water bodies identified through the RBMP are representative of the waters covered by the WFD, namely all inland waters – comprising ground waters, watercourses and permanent pools – as well as transitional waters, and coastal waters up to one nautical mile. These water bodies are used for reporting and assessing compliance with the Directive’s objectives.
Significant emphasis is also placed on ensuring a participatory approach in the development of the RBMP, which entails the active involvement and consultation of stakeholders in the different phases of the process.
The plans developed in each six-year cycle are available from the below links.
During the first two six-year cycles of the WFD implementation, Malta’s Plan was termed the ‘Water Catchment Management Plan’ in line with the relevant national legislation.
Third Cycle – Malta’s 3rd River Basin Management Plan
Second Cycle – Malta’s 2nd Water Catchment Management Plan
First Cycle – Malta’s 1st Water Catchment Management Plan
