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MEDMAQUIS – Malta and Sicily join forces to protect the Mediterranean Maquis Habitats – Communication and Awareness (WP2)

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 several major threats:

• increasingly frequent wildfires
• the spread of invasive alien species
• the effects of climate change
• the progressive loss of biodiversity

For this reason, MedMaquis implements concrete actions for prevention, restoration and environmental protection, supported by awareness activities targeting citizens, schools and local communities.

The project lasts 30 months and is based on close cooperation between Maltese and Sicilian partners.

WHERE THE PROJECT TAKES ACTION

The pilot actions are implemented across seven natural sites of significant ecological value.

In Malta:

• Buskett
• Pembroke NATURA 2000 site
• Xrobb l-Għaġin Park

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

In these areas, the project carries out:

• removal of invasive species
• planting of native species
• installation of wildfire prevention signage
• environmental monitoring through innovative tools such as the IAS App and the use of drones

The objective is to strengthen ecosystem resilience and develop solutions that can be replicated in other Mediterranean territories.

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.

The project also involves institutions and local organisations that contribute scientific, technical and educational expertise, strengthening cooperation between the two islands.

THE ROLE OF NATURE TRUST – FEE MALTA

Within MedMaquis, Nature Trust – FEE Malta plays a central role in awareness-raising and community engagement activities.

In the project, the organisation is represented by Vincent Attard, Johann Gatt and Marvic Refalo, who coordinate and support educational and awareness initiatives across Malta.

Through the EkoSkola network and its institutional channels, Nature Trust promotes knowledge of Mediterranean biodiversity and encourages responsible behaviours, involving students, educators and families in environmental protection.

To inform means to build awareness — and awareness is the first step in protecting our territory.

COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS MATERIALS

This page gathers the communication and awareness materials developed within the MedMaquis project.

These tools are designed to:

• clearly explain the environmental challenges affecting the Mediterranean maquis
• highlight the actions carried out in the pilot sites
• promote sustainable behaviours
• make the project results accessible to a wider audience

The available materials are intended for both the general public and the school community, including informative content and dedicated infographics.

More structured educational activities, as well as exchange initiatives and active participation programmes, are presented in the section dedicated to education and engagement

RESOURCES AND DOWNLOADABLE MATERIALS

Download the project brochure

Download the infographic “Why Biodiversity Matters for Everyday Life 

Download the school presentation “The Mediterranean Maquis”

Download the teacher’s guide for the school presentation “The Mediterranean Maquis”