VALLETTA, Sept. 19 -- By 2030, 30 percent of Malta's land and fishery zone will be legally protected, according to a biodiversity strategy and action plan released on Thursday.

The plan aims to integrate the land and the fishery zones into a comprehensive National Ecological Network. The network will be both ecologically representative and sustainable. Additionally, the management of Natura 2000 sites, which are already designated as protected areas, will be strengthened as part of this initiative.

This effort is part of a new National Biodiversity Action Plan designed to enhance biodiversity and protect Malta's environment until 2030. Building on the previous plan (2012-2020), the new strategy outlines 22 targets and 79 specific actions.

In a statement, the Environment Ministry explained that the action plan aligns with global and European Union (EU) biodiversity objectives, covering a range of priorities, from ecosystem restoration and genetic diversity to climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture.

The ministry emphasized that the new plan underscores significant progress in areas such as communication, land and marine protection, policy development, and the effective use of EU funds for major environmental projects.

  - Xinhua