Three environmental projects in Malta are been allocated a total of €6.2 million in funds by the European Union under its LIFE+ programme.

The first is a LifeMed Green Roof project by the University of Malta, which will get €800,000.

The project will feature two demonstration green roofs as case-studies over the Faculty for the Built Environment on the campus of the University. The project seeks to demonstrate that green roof technology is safe, cost efficient and provides a range of environmental benefits, including lower energy consumption, a reduced risk of flooding and enhanced biodiversity. 

€5.4 million will be allocated for a project proposed by the former Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs to improve and restore the Wied il-Luq (Buskett) watercourse and banks that support laurel forests and riparian forest galleries. Actions will include the repair of the banks, avoidance of river erosion and removal of invasive plant species. 

The remaining funds will be used by Mepa to identify and designate new marine Natura 2000 sites and expand existing sites containing marine habitats listed in  the Habitats Directive, namely: sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time; reefs; and submerged or partially-submerged sea caves.