https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131540 2026-04-27T02:27:03Z 2026-04-27T02:27:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144856 2026-03-12T13:24:28Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Addressing front gardens as part of a GI strategy to increase biodiversity and reduce climate effects in Malta Abstract: Front gardens in Malta are limited in size and quantity, but increasing their frequency over the island could increase biodiversity connectivity and decrease harsh climate effects such as flooding and air pollution. Previous greening schemes involving front gardens have failed in Malta and the number of front-gardens-to-single-family-homes in Malta is decreasing as construction of apartment buildings is increasing. This study examined the feasibility of implementing a front garden program in Malta like the front yard garden program, Fleet Farming, in Orlando. The methods involved an extensive literature review and interviews with members from the Fleet Farming program and stakeholders in Malta that have worked on previous greening schemes. It was found that, while the Fleet Farming program would not be able to be directly translated to the Maltese climate and culture, a similar program could be implemented if proper adjustments are made, based mainly on the size of the garden plots. This study is the foundation for future front garden greening schemes and suggests future research in alternative growing methods for front gardens, such as raised beds, containers, and green roofs. Studies on best locations would also be recommended to improve overall success rate of the viability of gardens. This study highlights the importance of front gardens in Malta and aims to support the development of a collaborative community program to increase the usage of front gardens throughout the island. Description: MSc. (EMS)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144852 2026-03-12T13:11:16Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Protecting land and livelihoods : Virginia landowners’ perspectives of conservation easements Abstract: Land conservation on private lands is essential to maintaining biodiversity and ecological resilience, particularly in rapidly developing states such as Virginia. Conservation easements, voluntary legal agreements that restrict land use to protect ecological values, serve as a primary tool for private land conservation but remain unevenly distributed across the state. This study explored Virginia landowners’ motivations, barriers, and perceptions regarding conservation easement participation to better inform equitable and inclusive conservation policy. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach, six landowners were interviewed, including those who had established easements, acquired properties already under easement, and those who had opted not to participate in conservation easement programs. Results revealed that while conservation ethics and stewardship strongly motivate participation, financial incentives played a crucial enabling role. However, current tax-based structures may disproportionately benefit wealthier landowners, limiting accessibility for working farmers and rural landowners. Participants also highlighted the complexity, cost, and rigidity of easement processes as additional barriers. Successor landowners expressed mixed experiences, citing challenges in flexibility and communication with easement holders. Findings underscored the need for policy reform that improves financial accessibility, enhances transparency, and fosters trust between landowners and conservation organizations. The study concluded that adaptive, relationship based approaches, and balancing perpetuity with flexibility are essential to expanding participation in conservation easements and strengthening Virginia’s long-term ecological connectivity. Description: MSc. (EMS)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144851 2026-03-12T13:01:36Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Recapping and mite non-reproduction in the endemic honey bee subspecies of Malta : Apis mellifera ruttneri Abstract: Scientific literature concerning Apis mellifera ruttneri, the endemic honey bee of the Maltese Islands is still limited. Recently, its behaviour and development gained an increasing attention particularly in relation to Varroa resistant traits. Nevertheless, the effect of recapping on mite reproduction remains controversial. In October 2021, a standardized study was set up for the evaluation of two resistant traits: recapping and mite non-reproduction (MNR). In total 40 colonies (A.m.ruttneri n = 20, and Buckfast n = 20, sister queens) of approximately the same size, were distributed across two apiaries, one in Wardija and the other in . Hygienic behaviour evaluated by the pin-test method was higher in the Buckfast than in A.m.ruttneri, but this was not significant. In contrast, A.m.ruttneri produced significantly more honey than the Buckfast group. MNR is very restricted for analysis due its strict requirements in the right number of mites in relation to the brood. A Varroa treatment in December 2021 was applied to reduce mite loads, subsequently the first MNR/recapping assessment occurred in June 2022 and continued until April 2023. The measurements were repeated three times across a ten-month period, but samples could not be further collected due to insufficient mite infestation and colony losses emerging from to constant strain of the mites. High recapping rates and low mite reproductive success were consistent in A.m.ruttneri. In the Buckfast group, both at the colony level and at the cell level elevated rates of recapping were linked with MNR. However, this direct outcome of recapping on mite reproduction was not observed in A.m.ruttneri. Even though, both traits seem to mainly be driven by seasonality and apiary environment, this effect was stronger in A.m.ruttneri. Brood infestation related to an increased non-targeted recapping in A.m.ruttneri but not in the Buckfast. Despite brood infestation was relatively high, most colonies preceded by A.m.ruttneri still survived until the end of the study, and afterwards. All this implies that A.m.ruttneri shows a certain degree of tolerance and resistance expressed both through MNR and an extensive mite infestation tolerance. This is likely due to a combination of recapping and possibly other traits such as VSH, physiological adaptations along with the rhythm of brood dynamics amalgamated to the seasonal changes of to the Maltese Islands. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144595 2026-03-04T14:00:00Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Designing spaces for nature-based learning in small, urban primary schools Abstract: Nature connectedness, particularly when nurtured through regular childhood experiences, is a strong predictor of pro-environmental behaviour. Yet, in urban settings, limited access to nature restricts children’s opportunities to develop such connections. This thesis positions Nature-Based Learning (NBL), delivered through primary schooling, as a practical means of fostering children’s relationship with nature through curriculum-based nature experiences on school grounds. However, small urban schools, where these opportunities are most needed, face distinct spatial and infrastructural challenges in designing spaces that are able to provide such experiences. The research thus focused on how small, urban primary schools can be supported in designing curriculum-linked, nature-based learning environments that foster children’s connection with nature. The first stage involved a systematised review of peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify design guidance for NBL school grounds. This review highlighted both the educational value of school grounds and the relative absence of research addressing the realities of urban and small-footprint schools. These findings informed the development of a draft design framework, structured around three guiding questions that considered aims, users, and contextual factors influencing NBL in urban settings. The second stage involved testing the framework in the Maltese context. To provide a baseline for Malta as an implementation context, a survey of educators explored current practices and perspectives on outdoor learning, while a mapping study of primary school grounds identified opportunities and constraints for implementation. Findings confirmed the acute challenges of urban schools, the demand for suitable outdoor learning environments, and educators’ belief in the value of nature-based experiences for students, confirming the relevance of Malta as a case setting for implementation. The third stage tested the framework in three pilot Maltese schools, producing demonstrative site-specific designs based on the framework. These were evaluated through consultation with teachers, students, administrators, and experts, whose feedback led to refinement and validation of the framework and confirmed its practical and theoretical relevance. This thesis makes an original contribution by reframing NBL through a systems-design lens; it offers a context-sensitive framework for small, urban primary schools that integrates ecological function with developmental and curricular aims and positions spatial design as a key mediator of children’s connection with nature. Highlighting primary schools as pivotal sites for reconnection, the framework provides a transferable and adaptable approach for urban contexts and lays the groundwork for future empirical and comparative studies. Collectively, these contributions have practical and theoretical relevance for research, policy, and practice, helping address children’s diminishing access to nature in cities. Description: Ph.D.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z