Natural areas designated

What are the trends related to designation of natural areas?

Malta protects its important habitats through the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in line with the EC Habitats and Birds Directive respectively. In 2011, three additional marine SACs were designated (and a marine site was changed from national to international importance), such that Malta had a total of 39 SACs (including five marine areas), 32 of international and seven of national importance, by the end of that year. The five marine SACs, which are all of international importance, covered 190.8 square kilometres of territorial waters in 2011, up from 10.8 square kilometres in 2010. As at end 2011, terrestrial SACs covered 42 square kilometres or 13.3 per cent of land area. By end 2011, there were 13 SPAs covering 16.5 square kilometres or 5.2 per cent of land area. Furthermore, in 2011, three more areas of ecological importance and sites of scientific importance were scheduled, bringing the total to 73. In these areas specific policies guide the type of development that can take place. In 2011, the boundaries for 30 tree protection areas were published, covering 5.35 square kilometres. Malta also has three nature reserves affording protection to islets, as well as 26 bird sanctuaries. In addition, since 2007, all beaches and swimming areas in close proximity to urban areas or major roads were afforded legal protection from hunting. As of end 2011, 21.5 per cenm of land area was under some form of legal protective designation.

See The Environment Report Indicators 2010-2011 at http://www.mepa.org.mt/teri2010-2011 .