Four new Maltese maritime zones of international importance

The sites, which include a significant size of the northeastern side of the Maltese Islands, the area in Imgarr known as ‘ix-Xini’ and Dwejra, Gozo, and the area between Ghar Lapsi and  Filfla.

MEPA said that the aim behind this protection is to safeguard the beauty of the underwater’s natural beauty in these areas.

These sites were primarily identified due to  the protection they give to over 80% of the Posidonia beds. Posidonia beds are of priority within the natural environment, and are given special importance by the European Union. This environment provides food and shelter to a number of maritime species, acts as a carbon sink and protects bays from the reduction of sand. They were also chosen due to their geographical representation.

The parliamentary secretary for tourism, Mario de Marco said that out of the 28 special conservations zones of international importance only one formed part of the maritime environment, until today.

Martin Seychell, director of environment at MEPA, said that MEPA has long been working on different fronts to make sure that the protection of biodiversity is of priority. “It is essential to us that we provide effective plans which permit the sustainable use of  natural resources, whilst protecting the same sites,” he said.