Malta tops EU concern over land use and environmental threats

The island ranks first in the EU regarding the perceived threat of converting natural areas to other land uses, with 72% of respondents describing this as “very much” a threat.

This level of intense concern is significantly higher than that found in countries such as Finland (32%), the Netherlands (33%), or Sweden (34%), where citizens are far less likely to see land conversion as a primary environmental danger.

This strong sensitivity to land-use change in Malta reflects a broader national consensus that the expansion of urban areas and the loss of natural territory represent a critical risk to biodiversity.

The numbers come from a Eurobarometer survey conducted last February.

While Maltese respondents display high levels of concern, their technical familiarity with environmental terminology is more mixed. Only 48% of respondents state that they have heard of the term “biodiversity” and understand its meaning, which is lower than the EU27 average of 55%. However, once defined, understanding of its importance is clear.

Malta shows significantly higher awareness of the Natura 2000 network than the general European population, with 32% of respondents saying they know what it is—nearly double the EU average of 17%. This suggests that while general scientific terminology may be less familiar, Maltese respondents are more aware of specific conservation frameworks.

Beyond land use, Malta records some of the highest levels of concern in the EU across several environmental categories. It ranks first for concern about pollution of air, soil, and water, with 77% describing it as a “very much” significant threat, well above the EU average of 58%. It is also the only Member State where a majority (54%) sees non-native species as a major threat to biodiversity.

The island also ranks second in the EU for concern about infrastructure impacts on natural areas (62%) and the effects of climate change (69%).

Malta ranks second in the EU for the share of respondents who “totally agree” that their health and wellbeing depend on nature (79%), while 82% say protecting nature is essential for tackling climate change.

These attitudes translate into strong expectations for protected areas. Malta ranks first in the EU for the importance given to their role in preventing habitat destruction (83%), promoting sustainable land use (79%), and improving quality of life (76%).

On policy priorities, Malta differs from the EU average by favouring better enforcement of existing nature laws (46%) over new measures. Locally, respondents prioritise better information and greater community involvement in decision-making (both 43%), suggesting a preference for governance-focused solutions.

Methodology

The survey in Malta was conducted between 5 and 24 February 2026. A total of 518 interviews were carried out among Maltese citizens aged 15 and over. The methodology included 354 computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) and 164 computer-assisted video interviews (CAVI). Results were weighted to accurately reflect the demographic profile of the national population.