The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has said that it is currently in a better position to safeguard new species of flora and fauna and to protect specific areas of the Maltese environment, as a result of newly amended Regulations on the Protection of Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats.

The Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change has developed these new regulations alongside ERA.

Among these species, the ERA said that there is a new endemic orchid – Gozo Spider Orchid which is only found in Gozo, recently discovered by Stephen Mifsud.

Other recent discoveries include a number of endangered butterflies, corals of international importance found in Maltese waters.

By means of this new law, when ERA is of the opinion that a species has an unfavourable conservation status or a conservation status which is worsening, the ERA said that it may issue a protection notice on the species and take the necessary steps to protect the species.

Through this change, species of orchid, butterflies, coral, sharks and other species are being added to the list of protected plants and animals.

These plants and animals were protected and added due to scientific research, an increase in knowledge about them and their conservation status, said the ERA.

“The new regulations also give ERA further means with which to remove and control invasive alien species,” it said.

The Authority added that this law also gives more protection to specific sites and allows for more flexibility in the designation of protected areas.

“Under the new regulations a site may be proposed for protection on the basis of ecological, geological and natural features it offers. Additional penalties for crimes committed within protected sites have also been introduced,” it said.

The Authority stressed that, “under these regulations, the collection and care of protected species requires prior authorisation from the Authority. This includes certain types of butterflies and orchids.”

Architect Michelle Piccinino, Director of Environment and Resources remarked that through these regulations, the regulatory role of the Authority is being strengthened.

Architect Piccinino also highlighted how this law is based on scientific research, and how through more research we can continue learning about our unique biodiversity, and which biodiversity is part of the Maltese culture and identity.

For more information on these new regulations, kindly contact ERA on info@era.org.mt

Photograph by Stephen Mifsud: Gozo Spider Orchid

Permalink: Gozo Spider Orchid among species now safeguarded by the ERA