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.

NATURE TRUST MALTA’S ROLE IN MEDMAQUIS

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in protecting natural territories and supporting community wellbeing. Through the MedMaquis project, partners from Italy and Malta work together to safeguard Mediterranean maquis habitats, strengthening the environmental, social and economic benefits provided by healthy ecosystems.

In this context, Nature Trust – FEE Malta, represented within the project by Vincent Attard, Johann Gatt and Marvic Refalo, contributes through environmental education and awareness-raising activities, engaging local communities in the protection of natural heritage.

The organisation will lead and support structured environmental education programmes for schools, including outdoor learning experiences connected to restoration and wildfire prevention activities, interactive workshops and awareness sessions for students, educators and families.

MedMaquis will also promote cross-border school exchanges between Malta and Sicily, fostering dialogue, shared learning and a deeper understanding of Mediterranean biodiversity challenges and solutions. By empowering younger generations, Nature Trust aims to strengthen environmental responsibility and encourage long-term stewardship of Malta’s natural ecosystems.

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in protecting natural territories and supporting community wellbeing.

Through the MedMaquis project, partners from Italy and Malta work together to safeguard Mediterranean maquis habitats, strengthening the environmental, social and economic benefits provided by healthy ecosystems.

In this context, Nature Trust-FEE Malta contributes to the project through environmental education and awareness-raising activities, engaging local communities in the protection of natural heritage.

Caring for our territory is a shared responsibility.

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This first infographic addresses the topic of biodiversity in general, but additional infographics are planned that will focus specifically on educational themes.