Climate Change and Wetland Ecosystems: The Effects on Halophilous Vegetation Diversity in Il-Ballut ta’ Marsaxlokk Natura 2000 Site (Malta)

Climate change poses a fundamental threat to the wetlands. The Mediterranean basin is biodiversity hotspot, and wetlands are important for maintaining this status. current study evaluated halophilous vegetation diversity of one most relevant Maltese wetlands, Il-Ballut ta’ Marsaxlokk Natura 2000 site, also identified under Water Framework Directive. A analysis was carried out according Braun–Blanquet approach. processed dataset included both data from literature unpublished data. To quantify structure diversity, hierarchical classification (Chord distance; Ward linkage) ecological indices were performed. Diachronic taxonomic Ellenberg indicator values taken into account. We used an NMDS assess fingerprint vegetation. In addition, we provided actual map Marsaxlokk, based on drone orthophotos. five EU Directive habitats in area (1150*, 1310, 1410, 1420, 92D0) which (1150*) reported first time. has undergone changes over time, particularly due increasing temperatures. fact, results showed that nutrients temperature strongest environmental drivers site. methodology demonstrate how studies can serve as tools improve knowledge, management actions, landscape planning sites.