36
D. A. Gatt and M. C. Mifsud
However, to implement effective outreach, the current situation must first be understood. The literature reviewed revealed a lack of studies on Maltese adults. This study
addresses this gap through the surveying of Maltese adults in the age bracket of 30 to
45 years old, with a view to contributing towards establishing a baseline for current
understanding of local biodiversity and its effects on human health.
2 The Maltese Context
The Maltese Archipelago, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, consists of small, low
islands. The islands host a population of over 460,000 people, and more than 2.4
million tourists visit the islands annually. Slightly less than a third of the country
is classified as “urban” or built, with just over half of the country utilised for crop
production. Less than a fifth of the islands are undeveloped, with garigue habitat
being the dominant component of the remaining natural areas on the islands. Stevens
et al. (1995) observed that the detrimental impact of humans on the environment was
significant.
2.1 The Maltese Environment and Biodiversity
The Maltese Islands are home to a wide variety of species of fauna and flora, yet
the local adult population is not necessarily aware of this diversity. This lack of
awareness may be partially attributed to a highly competitive educational system
that used foreign textbooks and included little local environmental education (Mifsud
2010; Pace 2009).
Several studies have assessed the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of
schoolchildren, youths and young adults towards the local environment. Similar
results were obtained in Malta, Cyprus, and Tokyo, to name but a few, where a
general awareness of environmental issues and a positive attitude towards the environment are present, yet pro-environmental behaviour is not highly evident (Mifsud
2010; Nisiforou and Charalambides 2012; Soga et al. 2016). Such studies have generated recommendations for educational programmes targeted towards the younger
generations, using education to shape environmentally beneficial behaviour.
Similar studies on older members of the Maltese population are not readily
available but national campaigns that focus on sustainable activities are conducted,
promoting specific topics such as reduction of food waste and avoidance of singleuse plastics. While not directly related to biodiversity, such campaigns promote
behaviours that benefit the environment.
D. A. Gatt and M. C. Mifsud
However, to implement effective outreach, the current situation must first be understood. The literature reviewed revealed a lack of studies on Maltese adults. This study
addresses this gap through the surveying of Maltese adults in the age bracket of 30 to
45 years old, with a view to contributing towards establishing a baseline for current
understanding of local biodiversity and its effects on human health.
2 The Maltese Context
The Maltese Archipelago, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, consists of small, low
islands. The islands host a population of over 460,000 people, and more than 2.4
million tourists visit the islands annually. Slightly less than a third of the country
is classified as “urban” or built, with just over half of the country utilised for crop
production. Less than a fifth of the islands are undeveloped, with garigue habitat
being the dominant component of the remaining natural areas on the islands. Stevens
et al. (1995) observed that the detrimental impact of humans on the environment was
significant.
2.1 The Maltese Environment and Biodiversity
The Maltese Islands are home to a wide variety of species of fauna and flora, yet
the local adult population is not necessarily aware of this diversity. This lack of
awareness may be partially attributed to a highly competitive educational system
that used foreign textbooks and included little local environmental education (Mifsud
2010; Pace 2009).
Several studies have assessed the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of
schoolchildren, youths and young adults towards the local environment. Similar
results were obtained in Malta, Cyprus, and Tokyo, to name but a few, where a
general awareness of environmental issues and a positive attitude towards the environment are present, yet pro-environmental behaviour is not highly evident (Mifsud
2010; Nisiforou and Charalambides 2012; Soga et al. 2016). Such studies have generated recommendations for educational programmes targeted towards the younger
generations, using education to shape environmentally beneficial behaviour.
Similar studies on older members of the Maltese population are not readily
available but national campaigns that focus on sustainable activities are conducted,
promoting specific topics such as reduction of food waste and avoidance of singleuse plastics. While not directly related to biodiversity, such campaigns promote
behaviours that benefit the environment.