A major €9 million environmental project has been launched to restore habitats, protect wildlife and improve the management of Natura 2000 sites across Malta.The E-CORE project was launched by Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and European Funds Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti together with Ambjent Malta and the Environment and Resources Authority.Co-financed through EU and national funds, the project will see interventions across a number of protected areas, focusing on habitat restoration, controlling invasive species, environmental monitoring and wildlife conservation.“This launch is the beginning of a significant long-term investment in conservation, ecological restoration and environmental protection,” Dalli said, adding that works have already started in some areas.The project will also introduce new facilities aimed at helping the public experience and understand Malta’s protected natural areas.Among the plans is the transformation of the former Marfa Radar Station into a Natura 2000 and Nocturnal Fauna Interpretation Centre, as well as the creation of a new Water Heritage Trail at Buskett.Visitor infrastructure will also be improved, while awareness campaigns and training opportunities for conservation professionals are planned as part of the initiative.Ambjent Malta said its Nature Stewards will help visitors better understand biodiversity and the role the public can play in protecting Malta’s natural heritage.ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca described the project as a move from simply providing legal protection to actively managing and restoring ecosystems within Malta’s Natura 2000 network.What do you think of the €9 million investment in Malta’s protected natural areas?•