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New biodiversity plan aims for 30% of land to be legally protected by 2030
By 2030, 30% of Maltese land will be protected under a new biodiversity plan, part of Malta’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2030. The plan includes 22 targets and 78 actions aimed at conserving biodiversity, addressing local challenges, and aligning with international agreements. By 2025, a roadmap will be in place to achieve these goals. Key objectives include managing harmful invasive species, reducing pollution, and designating “quiet areas” by 2027. Environment Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted the success of previous strategies, with 28.5% of land and 35.5% of marine zones already protected. The plan aims to secure Malta’s natural heritage and promote sustainable biodiversity for future generations.
Farming ‘new water’ to increase by 8,000 cubic metres with Ta’ Barkat extension
Malta’s Ta’ Barkat plant will expand with a €5.3 million investment to boost daily production of ‘new water’—recycled sewage water for farming—by 8,000 cubic meters. This treated, high-quality water is crucial for agriculture, addressing 35% of the sector’s water needs. The New Water programme aims to produce 7 million cubic meters annually. Malta’s three treatment plants, including Ta’ Barkat, use advanced filtration and desalination processes to produce this water. Given Malta’s semi-arid climate and reliance on desalination for 60% of its municipal water, this initiative helps combat water scarcity and reduce groundwater pressure. The Ta’ Barkat plant also treats 80% of Malta’s wastewater and generates 1MW of electricity through biogas.
Lidl blocked from acquiring Scotts supermarket in Zabbar
The Office for Competition has prohibited Lidl Immobiliare Malta’s proposed acquisition of property in Ħaż-Żabbar from Said Investments Limited to operate a Lidl supermarket. The decision, issued after an in-depth investigation, found that the acquisition would strengthen Lidl’s dominance in the southern Malta grocery market, reducing competition and affecting consumer welfare. Despite Lidl’s proposed remedies, the Office deemed them insufficient to address concerns about market concentration. The investigation evaluated competition based on store size, pricing, and service, concluding that the deal would significantly lessen competition. The Office’s prohibition is part of its duty under the Control of Concentrations Regulations to prevent acquisitions that could harm market competition.
Morning Brieifng
No new roadworks near schools ahead of start of academic year
Transport Malta will halt the issuance of new permits for road works near schools in the coming weeks to reduce traffic congestion ahead of the upcoming academic year, which begins next week. During a news briefing on Wednesday, Transport Malta officials announced that new permits for road works near schools will be suspended during the back-to-school period. Officials clarified that any new permits will only be granted following a thorough review to ensure minimal disruption to traffic. Contractors with existing permits are required to notify the road works unit before proceeding with any work during this period. (Times of Malta)
ECJ says Malta violating Birds Directive with finch trapping
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Malta is in violation of the Birds Directive by adopting a derogation allowing the live capture of seven species of wild finches. According to the ruling, published on Thursday, Malta has not met its obligations under Articles 5, 8(1), and 9(1) of Directive 2009/147 on the conservation of wild birds. The court found that the Finches Project does not serve a genuine research purpose and therefore cannot be justified under the derogation provided by Article 9(1)(b) of the Directive. Additionally, Malta’s derogating regime fails to pursue a legitimate research objective as it is not based on scientific methods, is poorly implemented, and is not connected to the conservation of wild finches. The court also noted that Malta has not provided sufficient reasons or evidence to show that no other satisfactory solution exists. (The Malta Independent)
Full time workers increase by 6.3%
In April 2024, the number of people employed full-time rose by 6.3% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching nearly 285,989. Similarly, the number of individuals working part-time as their main job grew by 5.1%, totalling 34,281. The largest increase was seen in the private sector, where full-time employment rose by 7.3%, now exceeding 234,000. In contrast, the public sector saw a more modest rise of 1.8%, bringing the total number of full-time workers to 51,960. (TVM News)
