EkoSkola Malta

MEDMAQUIS – Malta and Sicily join forces to protect the Mediterranean Maquis Habitats

The MEDMAQUIS project reference number C1-2.3-26 falls under the EU funded Interreg Italia-Malta Programme 2021-2027.

Cross-border partnership led by AVSI launches pilot actions on wildfire prevention and invasive species across seven natural sites.

A new cross-border project, MedMaquis, co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy-Malta Programme, has been launched to protect and restore Mediterranean Maquis habitats in Malta and Sicily. The initiative focuses on tackling major threats to biodiversity – including wildfires, invasive alien species, and climate change – while promoting environmental awareness among citizens and schools.

PROJECT TO BRING BENEFITS TO BUSKETT, PEMBROKE AND XROBB L-GĦAĠIN
In Malta, MedMaquis will implement pilot actions in Buskett, Pembroke and Xrobb l-Għaġin. Activities include the removal of invasive plants, the planting of native species, and the installation of new wildfire prevention signage. Innovative tools such as the IAS App, drones and Groasis Waterboxx technology will support monitoring and restoration efforts.
Sicilian sites involved in the project include Bosco Santo Pietro (Caltagirone), Vallone Piano della Corte, the Immacolatelle-Micio Conti Complex and the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve.

CROSS-BORDER PARTNERSHIP
The 30-month project is led by AVSI Foundation ETS, in collaboration with Nature Trust – FEE Malta, Ambjent Malta, the University of Palermo, and the Sicilian association Il Ramarro.
Maltese and Sicilian institutions also supporting the initiative include the University of Malta, Civil Protection Department Malta, the Municipality of Caltagirone, Assocea Messina, University of Catania, LIPU and the Committee of Promoters of the Charter of Municipalities Custodians of the Mediterranean Maquis.
The partnership aims to develop shared strategies and replicable solutions for the Mediterranean region by combining technical expertise and field experience from both islands.

«STRENGTHENING ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE ACROSS MALTA AND SICILY»
«MedMaquis is fully aligned with Objective 2.3 of the Interreg Italy–Malta Programme, reinforcing the protection of nature and biodiversity», said Veronica Dal Moro and Costantino Laureanti of AVSI Foundation. «The project aims to strengthen the ecological resilience of the cross-border area by integrating conservation, prevention and awareness-raising to secure a sustainable future for Mediterranean habitats».
Project contributors include Vincent Attard, Johann Gatt and Marvic Refalo from Nature Trust – FEE Malta; Alexander Borg Galea and Ryan Cilia from Ambjent Malta; Renato Carella of Il Ramarro; and University of Palermo professors Tommaso La Mantia and Emilio Badalamenti.