The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to 2030 is Malta’s framework for biodiversity conservation, aligning with global agreements like the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. It emphasises mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors, addressing pressures such as development, invasive species, and climate change—a key driver of biodiversity loss. The plan integrates with climate-related initiatives, including the UNFCCC, the European Green Deal, and national climate strategies, recognising the interdependence of biodiversity and climate crises. It promotes nature-based solutions (e.g., blue-green infrastructure) for climate adaptation, mitigation, and ecosystem restoration, while fostering synergies with sustainable development, waste, and air quality policies.
Specific climate-linked actions include soil biodiversity protection (Action 2.6) to support climate resilience, ecosystem restoration (Target 3) for carbon sequestration, and nature-based solutions (Target 7) to mitigate urban climate risks. The NBSAP adopts principles like the "polluter pays" and "precautionary" approaches, ensuring climate considerations are embedded in decision-making. By addressing direct and indirect biodiversity drivers, Malta aims to reverse ecosystem decline while contributing to global climate goals, underscoring the critical role of biodiversity in achieving climate resilience and sustainability.
