EkoSkola Malta

Edible Wild Plants in Malta

A Foraging Guide Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) are working hard to raise awareness and foster a greater appreciation of the wild edible flora present in the Maltese archipelago. The importance of wild plants is regrettably often overlooked with a diverse array of plant life frequently dismissed as just weeds, or ħaxix ħażin. In line with their commitment to food sovereignty and ensuring that the food that we eat is healthy and ecologically sound they have prepared this foraging guide to help you on your adventures in finding nutritious new ingredients close to home. The following are some of the benefits derived from wild edible plants: Wild plants are highly nutritious, a good source of several vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and phytochemicals which protect one’s body from ageing and pollutants. Consumption of wild plants is economically sound. Being self-propagating, growing unaided, and fully adapted to our local climate and soils, they do not require expensive irrigation systems, substantial amounts of water, chemical treatments, construction of greenhouses, and long hours of manual labour in order to flourish. The best thing of course is that, unlike the produce sold in supermarkets, they are free. Unlike some conventionally grown produce (and unless one picks them from fields where such chemicals are used or from the sides of polluted roads), wild plants are not treated with or exposed to large amounts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Taking a walk to forage in nature is a therapeutic activity, helping one to de-stress and nurture a spiritual bond with the land and the wildlife that it supports. Identifying areas of the countryside with high concentrations of wild edible plants creates an incentive for the legal protection of such areas from development. More info about the plants and foraging rules can be found in the link below.

Working for Zero Hunger Activity Book

Did you know that there are over 820 million people in the world that go to bed hungry, while 1.9 billion people are overweight? The world has set a challenge to achieve Zero Hunger and better nutrition by 2030. But governments can’t do it alone – everyone has a role to play. Come on the Zero Hunger journey with me to discover what each of us -governments, farmers, businesses and the general public- have to do to reach this goal. Learn how you can become part of the Zero Hunger Generation! Year of publications: 2018 Place of publication: Rome, Italy Pages: #20 p. Author: FAO Publisher: FAO Agrovoc: Sustainable Development Goals; food security; youth

Healthy Plants , Healthy Planet activity book

This activity book has been designed, written and illustrated to bring children and young people closer to the world of plant protection; the science that deals with plant health. Although addressed to an age group between eight and twelve years, this book can also be useful for older kids and educators. It can be considered as first, simple plant protection manual, designed on the occasion of the International Year of Plant Health 2020. Year of publications: 2020 Place of publication: Rome, Italy Pages: #24 p. ISBN: 978-92-5-132761-6 Author: FAO Publisher: FAO Agrovoc: plant health; plant protection; awareness raising; children; educational resources

Eco-Gozo Resources

Various resources for schools available here

ESD Expert Net – Manual for teaching the SDGs

SDGs for Children – The World We Want

Surely all have heard of the Sustainable Development Goals. 17 Goals – One Global Aim….Here is an excellent information booklet for children (and obviously also for adults) to help one understand better what they are all about : The World We Want – A Young Person’s Guide to the Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

Fonzu l-Fenek – Educational Song

A children’s song in Maltese featuring a day in the life of Fonzu l-Fenek. Kanzunetta bil-Malti għat-tfal dwar ġurnata tipika ta’ Fonzu l-Fenek.

What’s on your fork?

Does what you eat really have impact on our planet? Could mealtime choices actually help promote clean drinking water? What’s On Your Fork? is a new, free downloadable action guide and collection of supplementary educational tools from EarthEcho International designed to help educators and students explore the environmental and community impact of daily food choices.

Sustainable Food Systems Education Guide

The education team at the Stop Community Food Centre has just released a new Sustainable Food Systems Education Guide for elementary school teachers and community educators.

The Berenstain Bears – Too Much Junk Food – Book and Video

Mama Bear lays down the law when she notices that Papa and the cubs are getting too chubby. With the help of Dr. Grizzly’s slide show on how the body works, the Bear family makes a healthful adjustment in their diet and fitness habits. A most enjoyable introduction to good nutrition and exercise.