Malta Unveils 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

By 2030, 30% of Malta's land and marine zones will be legally protected under a new biodiversity strategy and action plan announced on Thursday.

The plan seeks to integrate these zones into a comprehensive National Ecological Network, ensuring both ecological representation and sustainability. Additionally, the management of existing Natura 2000 sites, already designated as protected areas, will be further strengthened.

This initiative forms part of Malta's updated National Biodiversity Action Plan, aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and the environment through 2030. Building on the previous plan (2012-2020), the new strategy sets out 22 key targets and 79 specific actions.

In a statement, the Environment Ministry outlined that the action plan aligns with both global and European Union (EU) biodiversity goals. It addresses various priorities, including ecosystem restoration, genetic diversity, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agriculture.

The ministry also highlighted that the strategy reflects substantial progress in communication, land and marine protection, policy development, and the effective use of EU funds for significant environmental projects.