The strategic goals set out in the draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Malta are translated into the following action-based and outcome-oriented measures, which are grouped into 18 thematic areas, and must be achieved by 2020.
Theme 1: Genetic Resources and Diversity (GR 1-3)
GR1: Distinct plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (i.e. local livestock breeds and crop varieties, as well as wild relatives/landraces) are conserved as a genetic insurance in the face of environmental and climate risks as well as for food security.
GR2: The genetic diversity of endemic species, particularly those characterised by small and isolated populations, is safeguarded against risks of natural disasters and climate change. This is mainly achieved via the maintenance of a gene/seed bank, and any other ex situ measures, in support of in situ conservation.
GR3: Domestic legal provisions on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing are strengthened via a national framework, which sets out the administrative, procedural and policy requirements to provide legal certainty and transparency to providers and users of genetic resources, based on prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms. Mepa published the draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Malta on February 28.
The NBSAP aims to set Malta on the right track to meet its own biodiversity and other environmental objectives, as well as its international commitments, by 2020. To view the document visit www.mepa.org.mt/biodiversity-nbsap.