Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1473976
NEWS 7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 JULY 2022 IN May 2022 compared with April 2022, seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector increased by 0.4% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In April 2022, production in construction fell by 1.0% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU. In May 2022 compared with May 2021, production in construction increased by 2.9% in the euro area and by 3.8% in the EU. Monthly comparison by con- struction sector and by Member State In the euro area in May 2022 compared with April 2022, civil engineering increased by 2.3%, while building construction decreased by 0.3%. In the EU, civil engineering increased by 2.8% and building construction by 0.4%. Among Member States for which data are available, the highest monthly increases in production in construc- tion were recorded in Sweden (+6.2%), Hungary (+5.9%) and Slovenia (+5.8%). Decreases were observed in Spain (-1.5%) and Finland (-0.6%). Annual comparison by con- struction sector and by Member State In the euro area in May 2022, compared with May 2021, building construction in- creased by 3.1% and civil engi- neering by 2.5%. In the EU building construc- tion increased by 3.9% and civil engineering by 3.3%. Among Member States for which data are available, the highest annual increases in production in construction were observed in Slovenia (+30.2%), Poland (+10.7%) and Hungary (+9.9%). Decreases were recorded in Spain (-8.2%) and Germany (-2.0%). Production in construction up by 0.4% in euro area and by 0.8% in EU First turtle nesting site of the season found in Ramla l-Hamra LUKE VELLA THE first turtle nesting site of the season has been found at Ramla l-Ħamra in Gozo early on Tuesday morning. Officers from the Environ- ment and Resources Authori- ty confirmed the turtle tracks, which were discovered by Na- ture Trust's Rescue Team, in- dicating that a turtle may have nested in the area. ERA personnel together with Nature Trust Malta confirmed that a turtle had laid its eggs. ERA said it will continue sup- porting NTM and the relevant stakeholders in order to ensure the protection of the nest and that an Emergency Conserva- tion Order will be issued. "The general public is encour- aged to act responsibly. Exces- sive noise, trampling and light close to the nesting area may pose a threat to turtle eggs and any hatchlings," ERA said. "The area will be moni- tired 24/7 for the coming two months, by volunteers for Na- ture Trust in collaboration with ERA until hopefully, we get to see the precious hatch- lings emerging," The Wildlife Rescue Team said The loggerhead turtle (il-fe- kruna l-komuni), scientifically known as Caretta caretta is a long-living, slowly maturing ma- rine species that inhabits tropi- cal to warm temperate areas. This species is classified as globally endangered by the World Conservation Area and is also protected by various na- tional and international legisla- tion. Capturing, killing, taking, and trading these turtles, as well as the deliberate disturbance of these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing and migration, is pro- hibited and subject to legal ac- tion. Even the destruction of eggs or taking of eggs from the wild is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence. The national Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Pro- tection Regulations impose a minimum fine of nearly €500 and going up to nearly €2,400 for each egg that may be de- stroyed or taken from the wild. The area where the loggerhead turtle has laid its eggs is also a protected area under the Envi- ronment Protection Act and a Natura 2000 site through the EU Habitats Directive. Any observations of turtle activity or environmental ille- gality should be immediately reported to ERA on 22923500 or ced.nature@era.org.mt or to NTM. The loggerhead turtle is a long-living, slowly maturing marine species that inhabits tropical to warm temperate areas