The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has published a series of posters depicting aspects of the natural environment and a Calendar for 2007 with indigenous Maltese species. The work on the posters was carried out as part of the Parks Network Project and funded by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund). The calendar was co-funded with the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund
When addressing the members of the press Rural Affairs and the Environment Minister George Pullicino said “The quality of our life depends very much on the health of the environment we live in, so it is our duty to ensure it is preserved well for the present and future generations.” “We feel” said Minister Pullicino “that environmental education is crucial to raise awareness and appreciation of our natural heritage among children, and adults, to understand why looking after the environment is not an option but a responsibility for our common benefit.”
Colourful and attractive, the posters depict Maltese trees, orchids of Malta and bats of Malta, showing clearly each different species and the level of protection afforded by law. Another three posters show protected sites: Wied il-Mizieb, il-Ballut tal-Wardija and Ramla. In these posters, pictures show exactly why these sites are protected. The posters are designed for students in the middle and secondary years.
To further the education tools available to teachers, four smaller posters with indigenous and endemic Maltese species, the level of protection and some information on the particular species were compiled.
The species depicted were the Maghrebian mouse-eared bat, the Maltese fresh-water crab, the Sandarac gum tree and the Maltese pyramidal orchid.
The use of Maltese and English in the posters has widened the educational scope of the material. In particular, care was taken to ensure that the names of the species are shown in Maltese, English and Latin to empower students in their research at whatever level they would be currently pursuing. The species themselves are also very clearly portrayed with their main features shown prominently.
The Calendar 2007 is an extension of these posters. It depicts a particular species each month and gives a brief paragraph of information on the species. “The Ministry of Finance through the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund is financing the publication of this calendar with the aim of promoting environmental education” said Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech. “The Fund is not only intended to help social, sports and cultural organisations or events, but also other educational activities such as this.
The promotion of environmental responsibility among all age groups ranging from children to adults is very important for the benefit of all of us “.