S.L. 327.356 Art. 3Objectives and functions.

The aims of the Institute shall be:

(a) to promote an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to all environmental aspects, and address societal issues within an environmental perspective; and

(b) to promote research and training on all aspects of the human and physical environment, including the rural sciences, with particular reference to:

(i) global questions relating to the management of the environment, to the affirmation and protection of the rights thereto, including those of future generations;

(ii) regional (e.g. Mediterranean) issues relating to the environment, including conservation (loss of biodiversity in its various forms and root causes managers, agrologists, architects, engineers, economists, journalists and lawyers) on environmental issues pertaining, in particular, to their respective areas;

(iv) the running of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as short intensive specialised courses, where appropriate, in collaboration with other institutions, in the various fields of earth systems;

(v) issues surrounding health and sustainable land/ food systems;

(vi) issues concerning the responsible use of finite land and water resources;

(vii) multi-scale (molecular to global) systems in support of a bio-based economy;

(viii) the specific needs of Maltese agricultural practices;

(ix) the need to pioneer best available technologies for Maltese agriculture;

(x) gathering and disseminating information and documentation on the natural, semi-natural and human environment;

(xi) implementation of projects falling within the remit of the Institute.