Welcome ERA – Malta’s Environmental Regulator Joins EUROPARC!

Welcome ERA – Malta’s Environmental Regulator Joins EUROPARC!

We’re thrilled to welcome the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) of Malta as a new member of the EUROPARC Federation. As the national authority responsible for Protected Areas, ERA plays a vital role in conserving the natural heritage of the Maltese Islands.

With 37 terrestrial Natura 2000 sites and 18 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under its care, ERA is actively shaping Malta’s environmental future. Their work spans across land and sea, making them a dynamic addition to the EUROPARC network.

To learn more, we spoke to ERA about their mission, priorities, and innovative conservation strategies.

Interview with ERA – Malta’s Guardian of Nature

1. What are ERA’s top environmental priorities at the national level?

ERA’s mission is simple yet powerful:
“To safeguard the environment for a sustainable quality of life.”

To achieve this, ERA focuses on:

• Integrating environmental targets across all levels of government and society
• Advising national policymakers and contributing to international negotiations
• Developing data-driven policies through continuous research and monitoring
• Regulating, licensing, and monitoring activities that affect the environment

In addition, ERA works closely with stakeholders to encourage responsible environmental management. Their top priorities include:

• Protecting biodiversity on land and at sea
• Improving air and noise quality
• Promoting sustainable waste management
• Addressing desertification, soil degradation, and landscape conservation

By combining strategic planning with active enforcement, ERA ensures that Malta’s environmental goals become a national priority.

2. Which protected sites stand out for their ecological value?

Among Malta’s Protected Areas, several are particularly noteworthy.

For example, the Rdumijiet Natura 2000 site stretches along the western cliffs of mainland Malta. It’s home to endemic cliff-dwelling species and critical seabird nesting sites, making it one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in the country.

Moreover, smaller islands and islets within the terrestrial Natura 2000 network are home to unique species such as the Maltese Wall Lizard, which has evolved distinct island morphs.

At sea, Malta’s Marine Protected Areas feature:

• Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows
• Underwater caves and coral reefs
• Habitats for dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds

Importantly, the connection between terrestrial and marine zones supports species across their life cycles. Additionally, ERA manages other nationally and internationally designated areas, expanding its conservation impact.

3. How is ERA advancing marine conservation in Malta?

Marine conservation is a key national priority. Following the 2023 adoption of site-specific conservation objectives, ERA is actively implementing marine protection strategies.

These efforts are supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). This funding enables ERA to manage MPAs effectively while addressing broader marine challenges.

In parallel, ERA contributes to Malta’s River Basin Management Plan and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). These programmes aim to restore aquatic ecosystems by:

• Managing anchoring and mooring practices
• Developing hydrographical models for coastal waters
• Implementing a moratorium on sea urchin harvesting

ERA is dedicated to protecting this natural heritage, despite the pressures of development. We believe collaboration is key, and we’re excited to exchange ideas and experiences with our fellow EUROPARC members.

4. What innovative tools does ERA use for monitoring?

ERA increasingly relies on advanced technology to improve environmental monitoring.

Their tools include:

• Satellite imagery and drones to track land use and ecosystem health
• Web-GIS applications (developed in-house with ESRI tools) to support digital mapping and real-time data collection
• CCTV cameras at sensitive sites to boost regulatory compliance

In addition, ERA promotes citizen science, encouraging the public to report species sightings. A great example is the Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (MPOMS), which engages volunteers to monitor pollinator populations.

Marine monitoring involves more specialised commissioned studies, including seabed habitat assessments, which are currently underway through national procurement projects.

5. What message would you like to share with EUROPARC members?

“Malta may be small, but its biodiversity is incredibly rich and unique. Our islands host a range of Mediterranean habitats, with species found nowhere else in the world.

Discover Malta: A Small Island with Big Biodiversity

From towering limestone cliffs to pristine underwater seagrass meadows, Malta is full of ecological wonders. Thanks to ERA’s efforts, these natural assets are not only protected but actively managed for the benefit of future generations.

We are proud to welcome ERA as part of the EUROPARC Federation, and we look forward to building a greener future together.

We warmly invite you to visit Malta, explore our protected areas, and join us in preserving Europe’s shared environmental legacy.

Ghadira wetland area, ERA