Mepa applies for Lm2.3m in project funding

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority submitted 50 applications to the European Union for environment-related projects as soon as Malta became a member.

If these bids are successful, Mepa stands to gain over Lm2.3 million for training, equipment acquisition, promotion of environmental education, research and IT development.

Mepa's EU and multilateral affairs unit explained this would be in addition to some Lm1 million worth of projects under pre-accession funding.

The authority has applied for funding for four transitional facility projects and three projects under European Regional Development Funds.

The transitional facility projects, valued at Lm500,000, target air pollution, nature protection and enforcement, including the implementation of the polluter-pays-principle.

Equipment, management plans, training and communication would be funded by the EU if the projects are accepted.

The projects submitted under the European Regional Development Fund include targeting marine areas around Filfla, the use of renewable energy in public transport and air quality.

Mepa has also joined a number of other countries to benefit from funds through the INTERREG programme, to tackle environmental concerns and share knowledge. It would be allocated Lm300,000 should the proposed projects be approved.

Mepa has also placed bids for funding under Leonardo, Socrates and the FP6 for staff training, environmental education and research.

The authority started to benefit from EU funds prior to accession and a Lm270,000 project related to the collation of information on the environment has been approved by the EU and is entering the contractual phase.