Salina Nature Reserve is one of Malta’s largest wetland areas, featuring salt pans, a restored lagoon, and surrounding vegetation. It provides a vital habitat for various bird species and other wildlife. Once used for salt production, the site has been since transformed into a thriving ecosystem supporting diverse biodiversity. Key ecological features include migratory and resident bird species such as Greater Flamingos, Black- winged Stilts, and Audouin’s Gull. The wetland also hosts various waders, herons, and gulls.

Restoration efforts by BirdLife Malta, funded by DIMFE, have revitalized the brackish wetland with improved water quality, habitat conditions, and visitor access, ensuring long-term conservation. This wetland plays a crucial role in Malta’s biodiversity and serves as an educational site, promoting wetland conservation and sustainable environmental practices.

This Factsheet provides an in-depth look at the challenges facing Salina Nature Reserve, the state of the site before and after restoration, the objectives and impacts of the restoration activities, the beneficiaries of these actions, the specific restoration methodologies employed, and the valuable lessons learned throughout the process.