The Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change José Herrera and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Roderick Galdes, today visited various activities being held for World Environment Day.

Minister Herrera explained that Malta has 34 Natura 2000 sites on land. They cover about 13.5% of land all around Malta and Gozo.

After months of consultations with all stakeholders, the Environment and Resources Authority has just concluded the drafting of management plans for the Natura 2000 land sites, which will be launched in the coming weeks for the benefit of our biodiversity, he said.

The Minister explained that a few weeks ago the LIFE + project `Migrate' ended, which has prompted the ERA to also propose 8 new marine protected sites.

Minister Herrera added that cooperation is important in all aspects of environmental policy, as well as it being put into practice, given the importance of protecting our natural habitat and the preservation of biodiversity.

Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes focused on the zero tolerance by the Government with regard to illegal trade in wildlife. He said that "Malta is doing its share to fight illegal killing, trapping and trade in wild protected birds."

"The Government will remain proactive towards these illegal activities which are harmful to our biodiversity," he said.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that over the coming weeks, the Wild Birds Regulation Unit will launch a new Fund for the Conservation of Wild Birds, which will financially support conservation projects.

Photograph: DOI/Kevin Abela

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