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 5: Sustainable use of biological resources (Code BR 1-5)

BR1: A sustainable and diversified local source of native plant stock is available to cater for the increasing demand for native species of trees and shrubs for use in forestation, landscaping and planting for site stabilisation and restoration.

BR2: Malta cooperates with the European Commission, EU member states as well as Mediterranean countries to maintain and restore fish stocks to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield in line with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and in support of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).

BR3: Plant-based products are derived from sources that are sustainably managed in line with EU obligations.

BR4: Exploitation of wildlife for trade is based on sustainable practices in line with CITES regulations and is supported by the continued provision of information on biodiversity trade and protection regulations by the CITES management authority to importers, exporters and other stakeholders.

BR5: The regulation of capture and killing of protected species builds on sustainability principles and is in line with provisions of national law and the EC Nature Directives. This is ensured via the better regulation initiative and also in light of conservation status assessments.

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.