Nature Trust (Malta), the environmental NGO, has paid tribute to Ferdinand Demicoli, who has died suddenly. He was the scientific adviser on energy and technology and activities coordinator for the NGO.

Nature Trust said Mr Demicoli specialised in environmental management and had made invaluable contributions on various environmental controversies.

Over the years, it added, he had been a pioneer in linking environmental awareness with tourism studies, and generations of students and young people, at both national and international levels, have had the privilege of sharing his insight and in-depth analysis of the tourism industry and of sampling his foresight and vision in projecting a tourism industry compatible with sustainable development and environmental protection.