Biodiversity education seen necessary
Biodiversity was under increasing threat in Malta due to daily activities and, with such a high population density, the goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 would require unprecedented efforts to adapt activities to the basic needs of...
Biodiversity was under increasing threat in Malta due to daily activities and, with such a high population density, the goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 would require unprecedented efforts to adapt activities to the basic needs of natural systems, the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (Bicref) said yesterday.
Bicref said this goal had been the subject of several key international agreements.
To achieve the goal, the country would have to adopt several measures including transforming activities in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
"For such activities to be more biodiversity-friendly, each one of us must first appreciate the unique biodiversity that is present on and around the Maltese islands. "This is achievable through education of the public across the media.
"Bicref, through a set of six short documentaries which highlight the rich local biodiversity, is contributing to increase awareness.
"It is hoped that more money will be allocated to ensure similar initiatives," the organisation said.
Bicref said it was working with other NGOs, including the GAIA Foundation, to assess the marine and terrestrial biodiversity of Special Areas of Conservation such as Ghajn Tuffieha and Ramla Bay.
Bicref was also enticing youngsters in environmental activities that promote real biodiversity conservation.
BICREF can be reached at P.O. Box 30, Hamrun.
http://sites.keyworld.net/bicref