The link between climate change and biodiversity requires further study, according to Environment Minister Leo Brincat who addressed an informal meeting of EU environment ministers.
The meeting was held in preparation for the Global Biodiversity Convention due to take place in South Korea next month.
Mr Brincat said the EU should work towards establishing clear, coherent criteria for biodiversity management based on updated technical and scientific specifications.
At the same time, local targets should fall under national competencies “in line with national priorities”.
The environment minister also said it made more sense for Malta to establish Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Protected Areas following further scientific studies, and after the three ongoing EU-funded LIFE+ projects on the issue deliver their results.