The strategic goals set out in the draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Malta are translated into the following action-based and outcome-oriented measures, which are grouped into 18 thematic areas, and must be achieved by 2020.

Theme 18: Other sectoral integration (Code – SI 1-5)

SI1: Governmental entities involved in environmental management lead by example through various initiatives and by ensuring that green policies in support of biodiversity are adopted within their portfolio.

SI2: Emerging biodiversity goals are integrated into future national rural development plans, tailoring action to national and local needs while still maintaining an economically viable agricultural activity built on sustainable production.

SI3: Farmers receiving financial assistance under the Common Agricultural Policy are compliant with good agricultural and environmental conditions and statutory management requirements in line with EU and national legislation.

SI4: Good-management practices and aqua-environmental measures for sustainable management of the aquaculture sector and for preventing inadvertent release of aquaculture species are adopted on the basis of a national strategy on aquaculture.

SI5: The principles and recommendations on integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) in the Coastal Strategy Topic Paper are developed further by way of a maritime spatial plan in line with the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy.

Mepa published the draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Malta on February 28. The NBSAP aims to set Malta on the right track to meet its own biodiversity and other environmental objectives, as well as its international commitments, by 2020. To view the document visit www.mepa.org.mt/biodiversity-nbsap