The Ministry for Tourism, Culture and the Environment and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) have today published Malta’s first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This national strategy, which is themed ‘Working hand-in-hand with Nature,’ defines a comprehensive framework for safeguarding Malta’s biodiversity over the period from 2012 to 2020.

Malta’s NBSAP adopts a long term vision and sets out 19 national targets accompanied by a suite of action-driven and outcome-oriented measures grouped under thematic areas. The NBSAP acts as a policy driver to set Malta on the right track to meet its own biodiversity and environmental objectives as identified in the National Environment Policy, as well as the 2020 global and EU targets for biodiversity.

Darrin Stevens, Manager for Ecosystems Management within MEPA, explained that the finalised strategy integrates the input and contributions made by various Ministries, agencies and members of the public during the inter-ministerial and public consultation period.

Mr Stevens pointed out that “Unfortunately, sometimes we often take for granted the multiple benefits we derive from nature and put in jeopardy the life-supporting services that biodiversity provides for our well-being and day-to-day comfort. Direct man-made pressures such as pollution, climate change and overexploitation, summoned with our choices and lifestyles all lead to the degradation and loss of biodiversity and the inefficient use of natural resources.

“Malta’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) directly addresses the need to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services by way of strengthening the integration of biodiversity considerations in decision-making as well as policies, plans and programmes of those sectors that act as drivers of biodiversity change.” Mr Stevens concluded.

The targets set out in the strategic document focuses on the need to achieve sustainability, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity mainstreaming, climate change mitigation and higher levels of awareness for biodiversity.

Additionally, targets have also been set to reduce habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species and promote positive incentives, participatory conservation, protected areas, species protection and adaptation. Finally, targets have also been set for improved access to genetic resources and knowledge, benefit sharing and enhancing capacity.

“The achievement of the targets by 2020 will necessitate broad ownership of the NBSAP and collective efforts to translate the various measures into action on the ground.” Minister de Marco said. He added that “Considering the linkages between biodiversity and other environmental challenges such as air and water quality, climate change regulation, provision of natural resources and goals of achieving a low-carbon and green economy and sustainable development, the NBSAP will bring mutual benefits to Malta’s environment and that of relevant sectors, as well as to our overall well-being.”

Dr DeMarco also highlighted the various ongoing initiatives and EU funded projects that are already contributing towards the implementation NBSAP, such as for instance the MIGRATE marine conservation project, the management plans that are being drawn up for all terrestrial Natura 2000 sites and awareness raising initiatives.

“Safeguarding Malta’s biodiversity presents many challenges in view of the country’s inherent characteristics as a densely populated small island state. However, I am confident that, we can work together to place Malta on the right track to meet its environmental goals, as well as contribute toward achieving the 2020 global and EU targets for biodiversity.” Dr DeMarco concluded.

The adopted biodiversity strategy document is available on the website www.mepa.org.mt/nbsap.

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