Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas covering Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats. It was launched in 1992 under the Habitats Directive, with the long term aim of protecting Europe’s most vulnerable and threatened species and habitats, including terrestrial and marine sites. Natura 2000 areas consist of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) with the emphasis on sustainable ecological and economical management. The Natura 2000 network is considered the largest coherent group of protected areas in the world.
Currently, in the Maltese Islands, there are 34 terrestrial (with some sites being grouped into one) and 18 marine sites that form part of the Natura 2000 network. To date, the terrestrial component of the Natura 2000 sites network in the Maltese Islands covers over 43.7 square kilometers, approximately 13.8% of the total land area.
The number of species and habitats protected in each site varies depending on the location of the site, the biodiversity in the region, the designation being used, and the features the site is being created to protect.
Together with ERA (Environment and Resources Authority) other relevant entities and eNGOs, Ambjent Malta coordinates the execution of the Management Plans for Terrestrial Natura 2000 Sites in the Maltese Islands. In addition, AM directly manages and maintains through specialised Units il-Buskett Woodland and Kennedy Grove at is-Salini. This entails the carrying out Management Objectives and Operational Objectives identified in said Management Plans. Such objectives vary from one site to another and may include the implementation of invasive and/or alien plant eradication programmes, site patrolling, restoration and/or expansion of habitats listed in the Habitats Directive, measures to prevent trampling, installation of surveillance systems, monitoring of fauna, amongst others.
Management Agreements
AM together with the MEER and ERA have a number of management agreements in place with local eNGOs for the management of various Natura 2000 sites. Through these agreements, eNGOs are provided annual funding to implement conservation measures in line with the Management Plans for Terrestrial Natura 2000 Sites in Malta and Gozo.
AM provides funding for the following management agreements:
Click here to view a virtual map of The Terrestrial Natura 2000 sites in the Maltese Islands:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5f15070446a64488b56f2f734e6b09b4
