One World... Special areas of conservation (2)

How is protection afforded to an SAC?
Protection and management measures must be adopted with respect to the various uses and activities within that particular SAC.

Activities resulting in loss, damage, deterioration or disturbance, or not forming part of the conservation objectives of that SAC, are prohibited. In this respect, a permit may be granted if an activity or operation is connected with the conservation objectives for that specific SAC and when Mepa has ascertained that the activity or operation is not likely to negatively impact the interest feature of the SAC.

Which species are protected?
Those species that are legally protected by the regulations of LN 257 of 2003 are those that are endemic species unique to the Maltese islands and species that are threatened or vulnerable to human disturbance and interference. About 60 species of terrestrial and aquatic plants are strictly protected, while about 95 species of animals are similarly protected and include both terrestrial animals such as bats, certain insects, snails, reptiles such as lizards and snakes, and also marine organisms such as certain corals, sponges, sea horses, molluscs, sharks, turtles, dolphins and whales.

In this respect, any form of persecution like killing, capture, collection, uprooting of plants, sale and so forth, which may result in the reduction of populations of these protected species is illegal and liable to be punished.

For more information log on to: http://www.mepa.org.mt/index.htm?press/mainframe_pressrelease2005.htm&1