VALLETTA, Sept 20, 2024 (BSS/XINHUA)- By 2030, 30 percent of Malta's land and
fishery zone will be legally protected, according to a biodiversity strategy
and action plan released on Thursday.

The plan aims to integrate the land and the fishery zones into a
comprehensive National Ecological Network. The network will be both
ecologically representative and sustainable. Additionally, the management of
Natura 2000 sites, which are already designated as protected areas, will be
strengthened as part of this initiative.

This effort is part of a new National Biodiversity Action Plan designed to
enhance biodiversity and protect Malta's environment until 2030. Building on
the previous plan (2012-2020), the new strategy outlines 22 targets and 79
specific actions.

In a statement, the Environment Ministry explained that the action plan
aligns with global and European Union (EU) biodiversity objectives, covering
a range of priorities, from ecosystem restoration and genetic diversity to
climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture.

The ministry emphasized that the new plan underscores significant progress in
areas such as communication, land and marine protection, policy development,
and the effective use of EU funds for major environmental projects.