MEDMAQUIS – Malta and Sicily join forces to protect the Mediterranean Maquis Habitats – Education and Engagement (WP5)

MedMaquis is a cooperation project between Malta and Sicily, co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Malta Programme 2021–2027.

The project

was created with a clear objective: to protect and strengthen Mediterranean maquis habitats, a natural heritage that is essential for environmental balance, community wellbeing and the quality of life in our territories.

Today, the Mediterranean maquis faces major challenges, including wildfires, invasive alien species, climate change and biodiversity loss. Through pilot actions, restoration activities and preventive measures, MedMaquis works to strengthen ecosystem resilience across seven natural sites in Malta and Sicily.

Alongside these environmental actions, the project places strong emphasis on education and active participation.

WHERE THE PROJECT TAKES ACTION

The pilot sites involved in MedMaquis are:

In Malta:

In Sicily: Bosco Santo Pietro (Caltagirone), Vallone Piano della Corte, Immacolatelle – Micio Conti Complex, Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve.

These sites become living classrooms where students and communities can connect directly with environmental restoration and biodiversity protection.

 

A COLLABORATION BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY

MedMaquis is led by AVSI Foundation as Lead Partner, in collaboration with Nature Trust – FEE Malta, Ambjent Malta, the University of Palermo and the Sicilian association Il Ramarro.

Through this cross-border partnership, technical expertise, scientific research and educational experience are combined to develop shared and replicable solutions for Mediterranean ecosystems.

THE ROLE OF NATURE TRUST – FEE MALTA

Within MedMaquis, Nature Trust – FEE Malta plays a leading role in structured educational and engagement activities.

In the project, the organisation is represented by Vincent Attard, Johann Gatt and Marvic Refalo, who coordinate and support educational programmes and cross-border initiatives in Malta.

Building on the EkoSkola network, Nature Trust develops and implements:

These activities aim not only to inform, but to actively involve young people in understanding environmental challenges and becoming responsible stewards of Mediterranean biodiversity.

By connecting learning with real-life environmental action, MedMaquis encourages long-term environmental responsibility and shared care for natural heritage.

EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

This page gathers the materials and outputs related to the education and engagement component of MedMaquis.

These include:

Through these initiatives, MedMaquis strengthens dialogue between Malta and Sicily, fostering shared learning experiences and empowering students to take part in environmental protection.

General communication and awareness materials related to MedMaquis are presented in the Communication and Awareness section