Mġarr

Malta

Evaluating NbS for water retention, soil stability and ecosystem enhancement in a small island setting highly vulnerable to water scarcity and rising temperatures.

About Mġarr

RN4 is located in the rural North-Western region of Malta in a small island setting highly vulnerable to climate impacts, such as water scarcity, rising temperatures, pressure on ecosystems and coastal risks.

Malta’s policy frameworks highlight the urgency of strengthening adaptation and water management.

Climate Context

Key Challenges

Water Scarcity

Limited freshwater resources are under severe strain from population demand and increasing climate variability.

Rising Temperatures

Intensifying heat stress threatens biodiversity, agricultural productivity and public health across the island.

Ecosystem Pressure

Increased demand and habitat loss are degrading local ecosystems and undermining their essential services.

Coastal Risks

Sea-level rise and coastal erosion represent growing and urgent threats in this small island context.

REAPPLICATION FOCUS

Water Retention & Island NbS

RN4 will evaluate NbS for water retention, soil stability and ecosystem enhancement. It will also integrate digital climate tools to support decision-making in water-stressed island environments.

Water retention NbS: Evaluating and applying solutions to capture and store scarce freshwater resources in the island context.
Soil stability: Implementing NbS to reduce erosion and maintain productive soils suited to Malta's geological conditions.
Ecosystem enhancement: Strengthening local biodiversity and ecosystem services through targeted, context-specific interventions.
Digital decision tools: Using climate monitoring and scenario tools to guide local adaptation planning and stakeholder decisions.