The Institute for Environmental Studies (IES) has launched a new concept in recreational diving – eco diving. The launch, at the Coastline Hotel, saw dive schools, dive clubs, and other parties involved in commercial and non-commercial recreational diving invited.
The concept of underlying eco diving was detailed by project director Alfred E. Baldacchino, marine biologist, Joseph A. Borg and coordinator Marika Pace Gauci, all of whom are affiliated to the IES.
Participants were briefed on the need for a better understanding and awareness of the delicate marine ecosystem and the important habitats and species it supports. Throughout the launch, emphasis was made on the large educational and conservation benefits that can be derived from eco dives, while the activity is also expected to be important for eco tourism from the economic point of view.
Nature Trust Malta welcomed the eco dive initiative, saying that such concepts not only enhanced the tourism product but also promoted environmental awareness among those visiting as diving tourists.
NTM said it considered the venture as a positive step where through partnership with diving clubs, schools and NGOs, the value of the marine ecology around the Maltese islands could be appreciated more. Over the years, Malta’s marine ecology had suffered as much as the terrestrial ecology through various human activities, such as over fishing, dumping, and pollution. Many tourists reported that despite very clear waters, the sea around Malta was very poor in marine life.
“This statement is often made simply because people do not see plenty of fish. In reality they would be missing out on various other marine creatures found on the sea bed or around the underwater geological features. Only through such eco dives provided by the IES can these be appreciated more making the dive not a simple enjoyable experience but an educational one too,” Nature Trust said.
The IES said diving had already been adopted in many countries where it was considered an important component of eco tourism, but this was the first time that the activity would be offered in Malta. A few days following the launch, the IES held a taster dive for interested divers, which was well received by participants.
Eco diving adds a new dimension to local diving since it offers a unique and different experience to divers who will have the opportunity to discover, learn and become more acquainted with the marine life and habitats of the Mediterranean sea. Since eco diving adds a new facet to recreational diving, the concept is of particular interest to commercial dive schools. Divers taking up the underwater eco tours will be accompanied by qualified marine biologists who will give a pre-dive talk on marine life and habitats that characterise some of the best dive sites of the Maltese islands, each of which has something different to offer in terms of marine environmental characteristics.
Each eco dive will be followed by a “question and answer” session, during which participants will have the opportunity to forward their queries on species, habitats and other marine features encountered during the dive. Groups attending eco dives will comprise six to 10 divers.
The IES will initially hold eco dives twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), but additional sessions will be held on demand. Further information on eco dives may be obtained from the IES coordinator on tel. 2143-1910 from 9am to 4pm on weekdays, or by addressing inquiries to [email protected]. Details of other activities and courses organised by the IES can be seen on the institute’s website: www.ies.com.mt.