Malta’s 27 proposed sites will all enter the Natura2000 network, a Europe-wide ecological network which seeks to protect threatened and vulnerable species and habitats in their states. The proposals were evaluated and assessed by the European Commission during a Mediterranean Biogeographical Seminar. The sites cover 48.5 Km² or about 13% of the land area of the Maltese Islands.
While all proposed sites will enter the Natura 2000 network, Malta will be expected to see to insufficiencies, requesting the inclusion of additional sites in its proposals. The Commission also noted with satisfaction, Malta’s efforts to propose the site of Ta' Ċenċ as a Site of Community Interest. Ta’ Ċenċ is currently designated as a Special Protection Areas (SPA).
The proposed sites include four cliff faces in Gozo, including that of Ta’ Ċenċ, and a further two cliff faces in Malta. Three sites on land as well as an offshore site were also proposed to be included in the Natura2000 programme as special conservation sites. Among these were Għar Dalam, the Rabat Cave, the Qortin garrigue and the stretch of sea between Majjiesa Cliffs and Ras ir-Raħeb.
The seminar, held earlier this month, also saw the participation of Cyprus, with the island proposing 711 Km² or around 12% of its territory to enter the network.
Amid the proposals stemming from both countries, was one calling for the classification of Special Protection Areas (SPA) under the obligations deriving from the Birds Directive.
The Cypriot and Maltese proposals are expected to enhance significantly the list w of important nature sites, which accounts for unique species that are endemic in a number of Mediterranean countries including Greece, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the Gibraltar. The list of protected areas includes a large number of endangered animals and plant species and habitats such as for example the Iberian lynx, the loggerhead sea turtle or the Mediterranean monk seal. The protection of these species and habitats is scientifically considered to be of European importance.
The Natura 2000 network is the Europe-wide ecological network of protected sites under the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives to safeguard European wildlife areas and species. As part of Natura 2000, the selected nature sites benefit from increased protection, with Member States guaranteeing to take all necessary measures for the conservation of such sites.
See also:
NGOs welcome news on Ta’ Ċenċ and Natura 2000
By MaltaMedia News
Oct 22, 2006, 10:06 CET
Ten new sites proposed for Natura2000
By MaltaMedia News
Oct 12, 2006, 18:34 CET
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