One of the most ambitious biodiversity initiatives ever undertaken was launched to strengthen ecological resilience and sustainable visitor management across our country’s Natura 2000 network, the Environment Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
Through this sustainable approach the Project aims to educate and inform the visiting public about the importance of these sites, and how they can also help in protecting and conserving these areas for the benefit of the environment and to preserve it for future generations, the ministry said.
Project E-CORE (Environmental Connectivity for Optimised Resiliency and Ecosystem Management in Natura 2000 Sites) was launched by Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli and Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti, together with Ambjent Malta and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
With a total investment of approximately €9 million, co-financed through European Union and national funds, Project E-CORE seeks to safeguarding important habitats while enhancing public access and appreciation of the islands' natural heritage.
“This ambitious project highlights the importance of Malta's natural environment and reflects our commitment to protecting biodiversity while ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the country's unique natural heritage. This launch is the beginning of a significant long-term investment in conservation, ecological restoration and environmental protection, reinforcing our commitment to protecting its Natura 2000 sites and strengthening resilience to future environmental challenges. Works have already started in some areas, and we will continue investing in projects that protect biodiversity while allowing people to better experience, understand and appreciate our natural heritage,” stated Minister Miriam Dalli.
Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti said that, “This is an important environmental project, which is being carried out in synergy between two different Ministries. For this project we are allocating no less than €9 million. Thanks to these projects, European funds can be invested in initiatives that will benefit and be enjoyed by the Maltese and Gozitans.”
Through a series of interventions across diverse protected Natura 2000 sites, the project will focus on habitat restoration, invasive species control, environmental monitoring and wildlife conservation.
Ambjent Malta Director General Herman Galea stated, “The E-CORE Project is strengthening the protection of Malta’s Natura 2000 sites while helping people connect with nature. Through the work of Ambjent Malta’s Nature Stewards, visitors can better understand the importance of biodiversity and the shared responsibility of protecting our natural heritage.”
Chief Scientific Officer at Ambjent Malta’s Environment Projects Directorate Alexander Borg Galea explained that, “Through the E-CORE Project, we are restoring key habitats, protecting vulnerable species, and enhancing Natura 2000 sites to ensure Malta’s natural heritage can be enjoyed and safeguarded for generations to come.”
Environment and Resources Authority Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca stated that “The E-CORE project is a significant investment in Malta’s natural environment, marking a shift from legal protection to active ecosystem management and restoration. Through the collaboration between ERA and Ambjent Malta, we are combining scientific knowledge with on-the-ground implementation to strengthen the conservation of our Natura 2000 sites. The project’s success will be measured not only by the works carried out on-site and the new facilities available for public enjoyment, but also by the natural Heritage which will be passed down.”
Project E-CORE will also introduce new educational and visitor facilities, including the transformation of the former Marfa Radar Station into a Natura 2000 and Nocturnal Fauna Interpretation Centre and the development of a Buskett Water Heritage Trail. Enhanced visitor infrastructure, awareness campaigns and training opportunities for conservation professionals will further support the sustainable management of Malta's protected areas.