Nature and biodiversity (11)
Are there protected areas that are already being managed?
Yes, at present Mepa and the Office of the Prime Minister have management agreements with various entities for a number of protected areas to be managed.
These include areas at Għajn Tuffieħa, Ramla l-Ħamra, Wied Ghollieqa and the reserves at Għadira and Simar. The management agreements provide financial assistance together with a detailed plan of the responsibilities and duties that are to be carried out by the site managers. These agreements aim primarily in establishing measures towards the conservation, maintenance and, where necessary, restoration to favourable conservation status of habitats and species. Data inventorying and management of other activities are also part of the tasks which are carried out. Management interventions at other protected areas is also undertaken on an individual basis and as the need arises, until the commencement of the preparation of their management plans later this year or next year.