What are the trends related to designation and management of natural areas?

In order to protect habitats and species of national and international importance, Malta designates Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in line with the EU Habitats Directive and Special Protected Areas (SPAs) in line with the Birds Directive. In 2007, four new (three terrestrial and one marine) SACs were designated, bringing the total number of SACs to 42, of which 40 are terrestrial and two are marine. A certain percentage of SACs are of international as well as national importance. In addition 14 km2 of land area has been designated as 12 SPAs. Malta also has 29 nature reserves aimed at protecting trees and woodland, three nature reserves aimed at protecting islets and 26 bird sanctuaries. In addition, in 2006 Malta had 103 areas of ecological importance and/or sites of scientific importance (AEI/SSI) protected under the Development Planning Act (1992).

As a result of all these protective designations, 19 per cent of Malta's land area was under legal protection in 2007. Last year, seven sites were being managed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), while management plans for four other sites were being developed or undergoing review.

Environmental tip:
Appreciate the importance of natural protected areas and respect prevailing management efforts.

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