Thousands of Maltese animals and plants have come under the protection of a national biodiversity plan, which provides a framework for safeguarding Malta’s biodiversity until 2020.

Sometimes we take for granted the multiple benefits we derive from nature

Launched yesterday, Malta’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan sets out targets and measures aimed at helping Malta meet objectives identified in the National Environment Policy and the 2020 global and EU targets for biodiversity.

Under the plan, vulnerable ecosystems will be safeguarded and least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems restored.

Loss rates for natural and semi-natural habitats of conservation value will be at least halved and degradation and fragmentation should be significantly reduced.

Darrin Stevens, ecosystems manager at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, said the final strategy integrated contributions from ministries, agencies and the public.

“Unfortunately, sometimes we take for granted the multiple benefits we derive from nature and put in jeopardy the life-supporting services that biodiversity provides for our well-being and day-to-day comfort,” Mr Stevens said.

“Direct man-made pressures such as pollution, climate change and overexploitation, together with our choices and lifestyles, all lead to the degradation and loss of biodiversity and the inefficient use of natural resources.”

The strategy means that relevant decisions, plans, policies and programmes will take biodiversity into consideration.

Targets also include the achievement of sustainability and widening awareness of biodiversity from 14 per cent of the population in 2007 to at least 55 per cent in 2020.

The strategy aims to reduce habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution and invasive species and promote conservation, protected areas, species protection and adaptation.

Environment Minister Mario de Marco said achieving the 2020 targets required collective efforts to put the measures into action.

“Considering the links between biodiversity and other environmental challenges such as air and water quality, climate change regulation, provision of natural resources and goals of achieving a low-carbon and green economy and sustainable development, the strategy will bring mutual benefits to the environment and that of relevant sectors, as well as to our overall well-being,” he said.

The document can be downloaded from http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121212/local/national-biodiversity-strategy-and-action-plan-published.449320