MCAST recently presented the outcome of a research project on Ecological Restoration and Ecosystem Recovery at the Society for Ecological Restoration's European Congress held in Reykjavik, Iceland, between 9-13 September. The research work was carried out by an MCAST graduate student in the BSc Environmental Engineering programme, Timothy Micallef, in collaboration with an MCAST resident academic, Dr Eman Calleja.

The research paper entitled Bird diversity as an indicator of ecosystem recovery in an urban Mediterranean woodland looked at the effect of ecological restoration in the Tree Reserve of Wied Ghollieqa on resident, migratory and wintering species of birds visiting the reserve.

The research found that over 70 different species of birds visit or reside in the valley at different times of the year, some spending longer periods of time there. Differences in bird diversity were also observed between different habitats found in the valley. The valley was found to be an important ecological corridor in an area which is heavily urbanised, providing refuge and food to many different species.

In the presentation, Dr Calleja reiterated the importance of green urban spaces within the urban fabric and the advantages brought about by restoring such places to sustain viable ecosystems that will then be used by many species of birds and other fauna.

This research is just one of many different applied research projects undertaken in Environmental Sciences at the Institute of Applied Sciences at MCAST.

MCAST is offering environmental programmes at levels 4, 5 and 6, which latter programmes lead to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering.