Sustainable Tourism Law

248 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM LAW The criterion established that the “enterprise contributes to the support of biodiversity conservation ” may be applicable to some hotels; however, it will be up to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority whether to issue a management plan for the site in question; whether it would fall under a protected site or not, particularly, if there happens to be an area which possesses high biodiversity value. An example that may be cited is Article 14 of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitat Protection Regulations 30 , whereby the appropriate protective measures should be implemented, including planning, management, supervision and monitoring in line with the protection category or categories assigned to the protected area and therefore established. The latter Regulations cover the criteria whereby interactions with wildlife do not produce adverse effects on the viability of the populations in the wild, and any disturbance of natural ecosystems is minimized, rehabilitated and there are compensatory contributions to conservation management 31 . Under the same Act, one finds the Waste Regulations 32 and the Waste Management (Electric and Electronics) Regulations 33 . These laws evolve around the criteria on waste management, whereby a hotel is required to measure its waste management and provide suitable mechanisms to reduce it, and if it is not feasible, waste has to be disposed through a licensed waste contractor. Therefore, the Hotel must also ensure that it has a waste separation and management scheme to recycle waste, featuring a minimum of three of the following: (a) plastic, (b) paper; (c) metal; and (d) organic waste. Connected with this sub-heading are included batteries and waste oils which have to be recycled in line with the national legislation entitled Waste Management (Waste Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations 34 . 30 Subsidiary Legislation 549.44 of the Laws of Malta. 31 An example of such a situation has happened in Gozo, a sister island of Malta, whereby the filming of “Game of Thrones” left disastrous results in relation to the eco system – https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/ view/20101117/local/total-elimination-of-ecosystem-at-dwejra.336505. 32 Subsidiary Legislation 549.63 of the Laws of Malta. 33 Subsidiary Legislation 549.89 of the Laws of Malta. 34 Subsidiary Legislation 549.54 of the Laws of Malta.