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D. A. Gatt and M. C. Mifsud
their quality of life. However, awareness of the direct benefits of biodiversity on
physical health is not present.
2. Periods of high-quality time in the natural environment are beneficial in shaping
attitudes through the formation of significant experiences. This supports the
Human-Nature Connection, which emphasises quality of experience.
3. Roadside vegetation and urban green spaces are scarce, yet desired.
4. Malta entertains a “car culture” which does not promote alternative forms of
transportation, and excessive vehicular emissions counter attempts at having a
healthy lifestyle.
5. Environmental legislation is present but enforcement is not apparent.
5 Assessment of Study Findings
The findings of the study were grouped into three categories, critically assessed, and
a visual model was created to better understand the links and processes involved.
Source of Influence—how awareness and attitude may be influenced.
• Education (formal, informal and non-formal), media, campaigns and enforced or
promoted behaviour by local authorities.
• Development of critical thinking skills, often through higher levels of education
(for example, university level).
Process—the current state, or processing, of knowledge that may affect subsequent
actions.
• Understanding of the effects (direct and indirect) of biodiversity on humans. This
understanding may be more extensive in persons with higher levels of education.
• Awareness of alternative and sustainable behaviour, with or without feasible solutions to obstacles in implementation. Educational bodies, particularly Higher
Education Institutions, can play a significant role in generating awareness of
alternative behaviours.
Action—formation of environmentally beneficial behaviour.
• Imposition of specific behaviours by external entities, such as school regulations
demanding reusable containers for lunches, or separation of waste for recycling
and composting.
• Voluntary behaviours inspired through significant experiences and repetitive
excursions in the natural environment to increase the Human-Nature Connection.
• Widely disseminated information regarding alternative forms of behaviour,
encouraging the adoption of these behaviours by society in general and creating
new social norms.
D. A. Gatt and M. C. Mifsud
their quality of life. However, awareness of the direct benefits of biodiversity on
physical health is not present.
2. Periods of high-quality time in the natural environment are beneficial in shaping
attitudes through the formation of significant experiences. This supports the
Human-Nature Connection, which emphasises quality of experience.
3. Roadside vegetation and urban green spaces are scarce, yet desired.
4. Malta entertains a “car culture” which does not promote alternative forms of
transportation, and excessive vehicular emissions counter attempts at having a
healthy lifestyle.
5. Environmental legislation is present but enforcement is not apparent.
5 Assessment of Study Findings
The findings of the study were grouped into three categories, critically assessed, and
a visual model was created to better understand the links and processes involved.
Source of Influence—how awareness and attitude may be influenced.
• Education (formal, informal and non-formal), media, campaigns and enforced or
promoted behaviour by local authorities.
• Development of critical thinking skills, often through higher levels of education
(for example, university level).
Process—the current state, or processing, of knowledge that may affect subsequent
actions.
• Understanding of the effects (direct and indirect) of biodiversity on humans. This
understanding may be more extensive in persons with higher levels of education.
• Awareness of alternative and sustainable behaviour, with or without feasible solutions to obstacles in implementation. Educational bodies, particularly Higher
Education Institutions, can play a significant role in generating awareness of
alternative behaviours.
Action—formation of environmentally beneficial behaviour.
• Imposition of specific behaviours by external entities, such as school regulations
demanding reusable containers for lunches, or separation of waste for recycling
and composting.
• Voluntary behaviours inspired through significant experiences and repetitive
excursions in the natural environment to increase the Human-Nature Connection.
• Widely disseminated information regarding alternative forms of behaviour,
encouraging the adoption of these behaviours by society in general and creating
new social norms.