Our staff are best able to describe work and life at MEPA.  Click on the images below to review the profiles of MEPA staff members as well as their backgrounds and experiences.


I joined MEPA in 1999 after having completed a Masters in Environmental Planning and Management at the University of Malta. The focus was on sustainable land use and need for planning ahead, together with the sensitization on local issues made me wish to translate theory into actual planning. In the context of a country which has been "planning" for less than twenty years this was even more exciting. Working at MEPA is extremely versatile, interesting and challenging.

Joseph Gauci
Unit Manager, Forward Planning

I joined MEPA in 1995 and since then I have perceived the working environment within MEPA as being dynamic; that gives challenging opportunities to individuals. I joined the Development Control Commission in 2001 and currently my main duties involve the managing of the DCC secretariat, providing management information as required and dealing with customers queries that arise at the decision stage of development applications. Resuming studies in Management and pursuing to attain a Masters in Business Administration has certainly proved to be an asset and helped me further develop interpersonal and management skills that are necessary to handle my work.

Marlene Attard
Head DCC Secretariat


My work is related to the conservation, protection and management of the rich and varied Maltese wildlife and natural habitats. In order to achieve this we work on various fronts including the setting up of policy and legislation; management plans for protected areas; conservation action plans for threatened, endangered and/or endemic species; monitoring programs; assistance to biodiversity research; nature and environment-related biosafety permitting; and the implementation of the EU legislation and funded projects. In order to do such work, one has to have a basic interest in the Maltese natural heritage, preferably accompanied with scientific background, with particular reference to the natural sciences as this helps to reach our aims for the conservation, protection and management of the natural heritage this country has. Relevant degrees in this area would include Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology, Ecological Restoration, Conservation and Management of Natural Resources, and related scientific degrees, and relevant degrees in Communications, in view of liaison with various stakeholders.

Darrin T Stevens
Unit Manager, Ecosystems Management Unit

Rachel Decelis
Environment Protection Officer, Environmental Permitting and Industry Unit

Joseph Cassar
Environment Protection Officer, EPD Section

Marlene Attard
Head, Development Control Commission Secretariat

Rene Attard
Environment Protection Officer, Heritage Planning Unit

Mario Pandolfino
Planning Enforcement Officer, Enforcement Unit

Suzanne Gauci
Team Manager, EU Affairs Unit within MEPA

Elaine Sciberras
Environment Protection Officer, Information Resources Unit

Johann Buttigieg
Senior Planning Officer, Major Projects Section

Lawrence Vassallo
Development Services Liaison Officer, Complaints Office

Nadine Axisa
Senior Environment Protection Officer, EU Affairs Team

Peter Gingell
Team Manager (Public Relations), PR Office 

Kenneth Cauchi
Conservation Officer, Heritage Planning Section