Medmaquis
Strengthening Mediterranean Maquis Habitats Through Cross-Border Cooperation
Medmaquis
MedMaquis is a collaborative environmental project between Malta and Sicily, co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Malta Programme 2021–2027. The project focuses on the protection, restoration, and long-term resilience of Mediterranean maquis habitats — an ecologically important natural environment that supports biodiversity, environmental balance, and community wellbeing.
Mediterranean maquis ecosystems are currently facing several environmental pressures, including increasingly frequent wildfires, the spread of invasive alien species, climate change impacts, and the progressive loss of biodiversity. MedMaquis was developed to address these challenges through coordinated conservation actions, environmental monitoring, habitat restoration, and public awareness initiatives.
The project is implemented across several ecologically significant pilot sites in Malta and Sicily. In Malta, interventions are being carried out in Buskett, the Pembroke Natura 2000 site, and Xrobb l-Għaġin Park. Through close collaboration between Maltese and Sicilian partners, the project promotes knowledge sharing and the development of solutions that can be replicated across other Mediterranean territories.
Key project actions include:
- the removal and management of invasive alien species;
- the planting of indigenous Mediterranean species;
- wildfire prevention measures and environmental signage;
- habitat restoration and ecological resilience interventions;
- environmental monitoring through innovative technologies such as drones, aerial imagery, GIS, and GeoAI;
- and educational and community engagement activities involving schools, local communities, and environmental organisations.
MedMaquis also places strong emphasis on collaboration between public authorities, universities, researchers, environmental organisations, and local communities. By combining scientific research, land management, environmental education, and innovative monitoring technologies, the project aims to strengthen Mediterranean biodiversity conservation and improve ecosystem resilience to climate change.
Through coordinated restoration efforts and cross-border cooperation, MedMaquis contributes towards the long-term protection and sustainable management of Mediterranean natural habitats for future generations.
