MEPA today published 22 draft management plans for terrestrial Natura 2000 sites and a public consultation exercise is to be held over the coming weeks, Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon said.

Addressing a news conference at MEPA’s offices this afternoon, Dr Falzon said that it is vital a management plan for such sites is implemented to protect these sites and the species found there.

The project is part of a €1.3 million project co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The project was implemented through the collaboration between MEPA and Epsilon International SA – Adi Associates Environmental Consultants. Dr Falzon said that a total 34 terrestrial Natural 2000 sites cover 13% of total land area.

Dr Falzon, who was flanked by MEPA chairman Vincent Cassar, said when asked why the government felt it should publish the draft plans when MEPA hasn’t yet been split, "that the plans can be modified when the split happens". The Planning and Environment Authority is to be separated leading to the creation of a Planning Authority and a separate Environment Authority.

When asked by journalists whether the plans are also aimed at cutting down on existing illegalities in Natura 2000 sites, Mr Cassar said that developments can take place on Natura 2000 sites as long as they are in conformity with the management plans.

He said those who engaged in such illegalities have already been slapped with an enforcement notice.

Dr Falzon meanwhile cited a restaurant at Ghajn Tuffieha as an example where the authorities acted on an illegality.

The restaurant in question was located in the midst of one of the last remaining sand dunes at Ghajn Tuffieha. Works on the restaurant’s relocation are due to start at the end of summer.

Sites which are identified as Natura 2000 include Ramla l-Hamra, Comino and Buskett’s woodlands.

Mepa is the competent authority tasked to identify these zones but more importantly manage these sites. The plans were based on obligations imposed by the EU on Malta.