The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has said that it is celebrating its first anniversary since its inception by planting 180 trees throughout the year, representing each of its employees.

The first trees were planted in the Xrobb l-Ghagin Park at Delimara, Marsaxlokk on Tuesday, the 4th of April, exactly on its anniversary.

The Authority was set up on the 4th April 2016, as the result of a reform in which the environment was separated from the planning sector, with the aim that this sector is afforded greater importance.

The ERA said that this led to it being assigned the role to regulate the environment and resources as an autonomous authority.

ERA also organised other activities for this occasion, including blood donation by its employees, a clean-up activity at Majjistral Park which is part of the Natura 2000 area, and removal of invasive alien species from the same place.

Throughout its first year, the Authority said that it has actively contributed in the safeguarding of the environment. Its main responsibilities that were carried out throughout its first year included the setting up of 30 Management Plans and Conservation Orders for Natura 2000 Terrestrial Sites, participation in projects financed by the European Union on various topics such as nature, waste and sea, and protection of sites for specific aims, such as in the cases of the turtle nest and also the Azure Window in Dwejra, Gozo.

This year, ERA also carried out various analyses of industrial and development activities to reduce the possible negative impact on the environment.

ERA went on to say that it has also developed laws and environmental regulations on both the national and international levels so as to protect better the natural environment of the Maltese Islands.

The number of employees within ERA has continued to expand throughout the year, It said that is has plans for further increases, in order to ameliorate all the functions expected of the Authority.

The Environment and Resources Authority concluded by saying that it looks forward to continuing to be of service to the public and the environment.

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