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Malta Interactive NDVI Vegetation Map - Environmental Tracking

About This Map

This interactive map displays the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for Malta, comparing vegetation density from 2019 to the present day. The map provides detailed environmental data for all Maltese localities and tracks the impact of Project Green initiatives across the islands.

Malta Localities with Vegetation Data

Swieqi - 68% Vegetation Loss

Swieqi is a town in the Northern Region of Malta that has experienced significant urban development over the past decades. The locality has lost 68% of its green spaces since 2019 due to rapid urbanization.

  • Population: 12,293 residents
  • Area: 2.3 km²
  • Vegetation Change: -68% (2019-2024)
  • Green Space Remaining: 12% of total area

Key Facts about Swieqi:

  • The town's name means 'watering places' in Maltese
  • Population has grown by 15% in the last decade
  • Major development projects have replaced agricultural land with residential buildings
  • NDVI values declined from 0.45 in 2015 to 0.14 in 2024

Sliema - Coastal Urban Development

Sliema is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta, known for its shopping, dining, and residential areas. The locality has seen significant changes in vegetation cover due to coastal development.

Valletta - Malta's Capital City

Valletta, the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, maintains limited but important green spaces within its fortified walls. Environmental tracking shows the importance of preserving these urban green areas.

Project Green Environmental Impact

Project Green initiatives across Malta have had measurable environmental impacts. This map tracks before and after vegetation data for various Project Green locations, showing changes in NDVI values, area coverage, and tree density.

Monitored Environmental Metrics

  • Vegetation Loss Percentage: Tracks decline in green cover
  • Area Coverage: Measures impacted zones in square meters
  • Tree Density Changes: Documents removal or addition of trees
  • NDVI Time Series: Annual vegetation index from 2015-2024
  • Development Projects: Correlates construction with vegetation loss

NDVI Color Scale Legend

  • Brown (#8b4513): Bare soil, urban areas, no vegetation
  • Yellow (#daa520): Sparse vegetation, minimal green cover
  • Light Green (#90ee90): Moderate vegetation density
  • Green (#32cd32): Dense vegetation, healthy green spaces
  • Dark Green (#006400): Very dense vegetation, forest areas

How to Use the Interactive Map

  1. Drag the slider to blend between 2019 and current satellite imagery
  2. Search for specific localities using the search box
  3. Toggle boundary overlays to view all Maltese localities
  4. Click on locality names or boundaries to view detailed statistics
  5. Enable Project Green markers to see environmental impact zones
  6. View time-series charts showing vegetation changes from 2015-2024
  7. Compare before and after images for Project Green locations

Data Sources and Methodology

The NDVI data is derived from satellite imagery analyzing the difference between near-infrared and visible light reflected by vegetation. Higher NDVI values indicate healthier, denser vegetation. The map compares imagery from 2019 with current data to show changes in Malta's green spaces.

Environmental Monitoring by Eve Borg Bonello

As Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Eve Borg Bonello tracks environmental changes across Malta to inform policy decisions and advocate for sustainable development. This interactive map provides transparency and accountability regarding Malta's vegetation loss and urban development impact.

All Malta Localities

The map includes boundary data and environmental tracking for all 68 Maltese localities, including: Swieqi, Sliema, Valletta, Mdina, Rabat, St. Julian's, Gzira, Msida, Birkirkara, Mosta, Naxxar, San Gwann, Ta' Xbiex, Pembroke, St. Paul's Bay, Mellieha, and all other towns and villages across Malta, Gozo, and Comino.