Commended
Endangerment and Extinction
submitted by San Gorg Preca College Ħamrun Secondary School : Nathan Paul Gauci for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Articles
awarded: Commended
The article focuses on the alarming rate of species extinction caused by human activities, highlighting the fact that humanity has driven between 777 and 260,000 species to extinction. The reasons for this include overhunting, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Overhunting has led to the extinction of species like the dodo and passenger pigeon, while animals like elephants and rhinos are endangered due to poaching. Pollution also affects marine life and birds, while deforestation and urbanization threaten species like red pandas and orangutans. Climate change on the other hand disrupts ecosystems, endangering species such as polar bears and monarch butterflies. In order to reduce these detrimental effects introducing nature reserves, reducing waste, avoiding palm oil products, and using renewable energy will reduce the damage that is being done.
Aquatic Pollution: A deep dive into a rising crisis
submitted by San Gorg Preca College Ħamrun Secondary School : Milindh Madhu for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Articles
awarded: Commended
Aquatic pollution is a growing crisis caused by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, plastic pollution, and untreated sewage. These contaminants degrade water quality, harming ecosystems, human health, and economies. As a result of this, there is a loss of biodiversity, toxic algal blooms, waterborne diseases, and economic losses in fisheries and tourism. In Malta, key pollution issues include industrial discharge in Grand Harbour, agricultural nutrient pollution, plastic waste, and inadequate wastewater treatment. Conservation efforts, such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), aim to mitigate these effects. To reduce these harmful effects, the following solutions can be implemented: stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, and technological innovations like advanced wastewater treatment and plastic recycling. However, urgent global action is required to restore water quality and protect marine ecosystems.
The Biggest Change
submitted by Kirkop secondary school St Benedict College : Lilah Borg for 11-14
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): newspaper, other
filed under Articles
awarded: Commended
An investigation about regeneration in Valletta and the effect on the residents.
Plants piercing plastic to grow.
submitted by Rabat Middle School St. Nicholas College : Neil Sammut
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under One Take Photo Photos
awarded: Commended
While on a walk I saw this piece of plastic pierced by roots fighting to grow. Is this our future? Plants entangled in plastic making their way onto our plates? If we don’t take care of our land and countryside, we all lose—nature, wildlife, and future generations. Let’s protect what matters!
The Lovely Flower
submitted by Dun Manwel Attard Wardija School St Nicholas College : Yakira Demicoli Thornton
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under One Take Photo Photos
awarded: Commended
This lovely flower called hibiscus, grew in the wild and it has a number of environmental contributions to the ecosystem. It is rich in nectar making it attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. In addition, birds and insects feed on this plant’s seeds.
What’s for Dinner
submitted by Dun Manwel Attard St.Nicholas College : Sheldon Cilia
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under One Take Photo Photos
awarded: Commended
This fascinating natural phenomenon portrays a mushroom that has grown among other vegetation. This plays an important role in the breaking down of organic matter and recycling nutrients in the soil.
A Question of Values
submitted by St Michael Foundation : Jack Calleja
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, School magazine, school media
filed under One Take Photo Photos
awarded: Commended
This series of three images forces us to ask the difficult question: why would anyone think this is okay? The first image shows an old, abandoned building filled with discarded human waste, a stark symbol of neglect. The second captures a palm tree being uprooted, its deep roots torn from the earth after years of growth. The final image reveals the harsh intrusion of industry against the scenery of beautiful turquoise waters. These unsettling scenes challenge us to reflect on the choices that harm our environment and question the value we place on nature’s beauty. Why?
Silent Shorelines: December’s Forgotten Bin’s
submitted by St Michael Foundation : Chloe Coppini
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): other, School magazine, school media
filed under One Take Photo Photos
awarded: Commended
This set of three images captures the stark contrast of our beaches in the colder months, where natural beauty lies untouched yet abandoned. While the shorelines are quiet and serene, the lingering presence of discarded bins scattered across the sand serves as a haunting reminder of human impact. It’s a sharp contrast to the bustling summer season, when every inch of sand is claimed by umbrellas, sunbeds, and discarded rubbish. These images urge us to reflect on our responsibility to keep our beaches clean year-round.
Suffocating Under Plastic – Our Planet Can’t Breathe!
submitted by Malta Visual and Performing Arts : Jethro Azzoaprdi Duca
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Photos Staged Campaign Photo
awarded: Commended
Our planet is suffocating—wrapped in plastic pollution. This image symbolizes how human activity is choking the Earth, pushing ecosystems to the brink. It’s time to break free from plastic dependence and protect our future!
Coloured boots
submitted by Dun Manwel Attard St Nicholas College Wardija school : Raisa Myers
campaign: YRE Entry
dissemination(s): school media
filed under One Take Photo Photos
awarded: Commended
These old plastic boots were repurposed for planting plants to minimize waste and promote sustainability. The boots were painted by students and served as a fun activity while planting small plants. Drainage holes were made to ensure water does not accumulate and cause rot.


