The Earth Systems Association (ESA) organised a coastal hike along the Munxar/Marsaskala area to celebrate Earth Day and promote environmental stewardship. The event combined outdoor recreation with community-driven environmental action, encouraging participants to appreciate Malta’s natural beauty while actively contributing to its preservation.
Objectives:
- Promote environmental awareness and responsible outdoor recreation.
- Conduct a coastal clean-up to prevent litter from reaching the sea.
- Engage the community in sustainability efforts through hands-on participation.
- Support local reforestation efforts by raising funds for tree planting initiatives.
Description and Implementation:
Participants gathered in Marsaskala before embarking on a scenic coastal hike along the Munxar path. The route featured stunning views of Malta’s rugged coastline, offering moments to pause and appreciate the landscape. As part of the initiative, hikers picked up litter along the trail, collecting waste to prevent it from polluting the marine environment. ESA provided collection bags and gloves, while participants were encouraged to bring their own supplies.
In addition to the cleanup, ESA collected donations for “Grow 10 Trees Malta,” contributing to tree-planting efforts across the island.
Impact and Results: The event successfully removed 11 full bags of litter from the coastal area, preventing waste from reaching the sea while fostering environmental awareness among participants and reinforcing the ethos of “Leave No Trace.” The initiative also strengthened community engagement in sustainability efforts and raised funds to support tree planting, contributing to Malta’s reforestation goals.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The event demonstrated the power of community action in environmental conservation. To maximise its impact, it is recommended to:
- Organise regular cleanup hikes in different locations to maintain ongoing environmental impact.
- Strengthen partnerships with local environmental organisations to expand outreach and effectiveness.
- Incorporate educational components on local ecology and conservation practices during hikes.
- Provide incentives for participants, such as eco-friendly giveaways or certificates of participation.
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C56Y1_EI-Sw/
https://www.instagram.com/p/C6V0vu4o8FE/
https://www.instagram.com/p/C6YS36RIjuP/
.