Final answer:
The priority area for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in Malta is determined by an inter-ministry decree. It includes protected areas, priority biodiversity areas, and sensitive biodiversity sites. The goal is to balance conservation and mining activities while protecting Malta's unique species and habitats.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority area for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in Malta is defined based on the inter-ministry decree of October 2008. This decree outlines the new and existing protected areas, as well as the priority biodiversity areas where no new mining permits may be issued. These priority zones, depicted in grey on the map, are identified based on the presence of rare target species that are found at only one site.
The remaining areas, represented by light grey zones, are subject to strict control and require an environmental impact assessment before any forestry or mining activities can be permitted. This ensures the protection of sensitive biodiversity sites. The zoning approach provides a valuable tool for negotiating trade-offs or swaps between mining and protected areas, especially in cases where existing parks and highest priority areas overlap with mining permits.
The priority area for MSP in Malta aims to balance conservation efforts and economic activities like mining. By safeguarding areas with high biodiversity value and limiting mining permits in those zones, Malta can protect its unique species and habitats while still allowing for sustainable resource exploitation in other areas.