Photos

Should we allow yachts to obstruct the view of our historical places?

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What a shame that we permit huge yachts to remain within the Birgu Marina and obstruct the view of historical buildings around the harbour. I reported this case to the Local Council of Vittoriosa and they promised to see what they can do. The question is not about yachts coming and going but more about long term stays of huge yachts within the Birgu Marina. Tourists come to visit our historical locations and not to see huge yachts taking up the view. Whatever the money these yachts pay they should not obstruct the view of our historical architecture. I suggest that rules in this regard are adopted whereby yachts do not take up prominent locations in those marinas which are close to historical places. Another option could be that short stays are offered to such yachts in unique locations till an alternative is found. Historical heritage comes before money.



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Reduce Speed Now

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No it is not a big fish! It is a street sign! Have you ever thought of reducing speed when swimming? No – this is not the case, because this is purely vandalism that a street sign found itself in shallow water. This can be hazardous to small children playing in this shallow sea. Is it possible that the sign is too small that cannot be seen from the public? We invested in local councils and local services, so is it that we are not working hard on awareness? Why is it difficult to protect our environment? This can cause a disruption in the eco-system of the nearby area since the pole can rust and cause contamination in the sea where it would kill a lot of sea organisms and small fish. People who wouldn’t notice the contamination of the nearby water can get infection which is why I keep wondering why no one hasn’t removed the pole from there and as the sign suggests we should reduce the speed that is destroying this world.



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Biodiversity

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In this photo, which was taken at Buskett, a good example of a habitat for flora and fauna can be seen. When the term ‘Biodiversity’ is used, what is meant is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Buskett is the only semi-natural woodland in the Maltese Islands and it is home to many animals and plants (fauna and flora), so we should be aware and protect this semi-woodland. We should not litter this habitat; on the contrary we should take care of it. Buskett is the habitat of various species of flora, such as trees and different species of plants; some of them are endemic (which means that are found only in Malta, in this semi-natural woodland). Also different types of faunae are found in this habitat.



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A suitable environment to live near-by?

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We think that this picture shows the stupidity of some people. This scrap yard should be removed and instead, it can either be used as a field for the farmers, a playground for children or a football ground. It shouldn’t be wasted on a scrapyard as it is surrounded by a lot of green areas. So, it would be an excellent place for a playground as it is surrounded by greenery which give out fresh air and prevent from certain illnesses. Also a problem for neighbouring places is the amount of junk that there is at the scrap yard nowadays that takes up a lot of space. This can be easily reduced with use of more efficient machinery to work faster. Also the scrapyard emanates a lot of sound pollution. One also should not forget the first impressions that a tourist might get if he sees this polluted environment.



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Another use for the environment

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In certain places in Malta people go to have fun but they leave their waste behind. As we can see in the picture, some ignorant people left bottles full of used motor oil and half a destroyed chair. What do you think will the tourists say about Malta when they see such things? Will this kind of behavior give a good impression of the Maltese environment, as a beautiful one? Sitting down and just blaming the people who are responsible for these actions, will not help improve this environmental problem. We need to take action as soon as possible. The consequences of this vandalism to the environment would be devastating if we do nothing now! One of the problems related to this kind of behavior is the extinction of endemic flora and fauna. Some solutions could be: raising the fines for people who are caught vandalising the environment, organising cleaning-up campaigns and telling people more about the effects left upon the environment due to our irresponsible behaviour.



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Colour dots spoils the green

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This is a typical aerial view of some traditional Maltese fields. The small colour dots are the only eye sore in this picture! Do we need to add colours to this greenery? These dots are old tanks which by time become very rusty and not so environmental friendly or even degradable. The tanks are placed in fields sometimes instead of rebuilding a fallen rubble wall to separate one field from another or else to be filled with rain water so that the farmers can use this water for their seed beds. These are no excuses because instead of these tanks they can rebuild a typical Maltese rubble wall. In the case of reservoirs there are many other types of how to build a good rain water reservoir! In our school and on all media a lot of environmental activities go on to raise awareness. It is our duty to leave a better future.



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Peer Through

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Unbelievable nature! A window in the midst of horizontal and vertical strata. The various shades of brown contrasts deeply with the azure sky. It instils the yearning to embark on a journey – a journey over the massive rocks – an urge to climb high – to climb high to peer through the amazing window. What is beyond? What wonders awaits us? What mysteries await us? Alas, we have to venture to peer through and see what lies beyond. Subsequently we have to prepare ourselves to face the challenges of a changing world.



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So rugged yet so calm and smooth?

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Craters in the rocks. So difficult to thread upon. Yet each stepping stone adheres a structure – a structure of wholeness. In the midst, a hole, full of clear calm water. And beyond the deep, dark blue sea. One ponders and wonders – was a ruler used to draw the precise line which demarcates the land from the sea? The horizon meets the infinite sky in the perfection of nature! To manage to surpass obstacles enhances the will-power to open our wings and soar up and fly – fulfilled by satisfaction!



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Will our seas become a fetid rubbish dump?

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A calm walk by the sea… a breeze gently sweeping across the beaches and cliffs as the fresh sea air puts one at peace. The rotten stench of garbage, however, quickly reels one back to reality. Rubbish can clearly be seen around the coast of Malta, most particularly near those beaches which garner the most public attention. After a day of crowded tourists and locals, the beach is deserted, but plastic bags, bottles, cans and cigarette butts remain. The refuse teams ensure that the beach is relatively clean by the morning rush of people, but it is the mentality of the people that needs to change. Part of the inborn Maltese mentality, it seems, ensures that everywhere they go, some sort of refuse is left behind. The sea is a delicately balanced ecosystem, and trash poisons the water and has the potential to kill marine creatures as well as their predators. If we do not change, we will be surrounded by a murky swamp which harbours no life.



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Sailing in Malta – open seas, fair weather – what’s to grumble?

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This being Malta, and Malta being in the middle of one of the hottest seas in the world, fair weather and strong winds are a constant factor throughout the year. Our culture has revolved around the sea since our very origin, and events like the Middle Sea Race help the Maltese reconnect to their roots, even if not taking part directly, fostering a sense of awareness of the condition of the sea. Events such as these should be encouraged, for besides being a tourist attraction, they also endow upon the people who participate in them a sense of discipline, professionalism and, above all, respect for the abilities of different countries, as well as encouraging a love for the sea and responsibility as to the state it is in, for it reminds us all that the sea is integral to our lives, and that it needs to be protected.



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