VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has recorded the highest level of concern in the European Union over the loss of natural areas to other land uses, with 72% of respondents identifying the issue as a major threat to biodiversity, according to a Eurobarometer survey.
The figure was more than double those recorded in Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden, underscoring widespread concern in Malta over urban expansion and the shrinking of natural spaces.
The survey also found Malta to be the EU country most worried about pollution, with 77% of respondents describing air, soil and water contamination as a serious threat, well above the bloc average of 58%.
Malta was the only member state where a majority of respondents, 54%, viewed non-native species as a major danger to biodiversity. It ranked second in the EU for concern about the impact of infrastructure on natural areas and the effects of climate change.
Despite lower-than-average familiarity with the term “biodiversity”, awareness of the Natura 2000 conservation network was almost twice the EU average, indicating stronger knowledge of specific environmental protection measures.
The survey showed broad support for protected areas, with Malta ranking first in the importance attached to preventing habitat destruction, promoting sustainable land use and improving quality of life.
Respondents favoured stronger enforcement of existing environmental laws over new measures and highlighted better information and greater public participation in decision-making as priorities.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
