https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52660 2026-04-23T22:03:40Z 2026-04-23T22:03:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53269 2025-12-29T07:58:17Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Perceptions of Gozitan people about marine protected areas and their ecosystem services Abstract: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) serve to protect the marine and coastal biodiversity. An effective management plan is crucial for these objectives to be reached and various principles and processes are necessary. These include education, outreach and awareness building. Regarding the local situation, research on MPAs is limited, particularly on MPAs in Gozo. In fact, the aim of this study was to shed light on the knowledge Gozitans have on MPAs, what values they associate with them and how education can enact change. Two Gozitan areas with a MPA in their locality (Xagħra and San Lawrenz) and a locality without a MPA (Victoria) were identified as being ideal for this study. A mixed method approach was adopted and entailed the collection of data from qualitative and quantitative aspects. The quantitative research was performed first and this consisted of questionnaires that were distributed in the three localities. The qualitative data consisted of fifteen interviews - basically five interviewees from each locality. The analysis of the quantitative data by means of SPSS included descriptive analysis for each question followed by inferential statistics. The qualitative part included the analysis of the verbatim that led to a thematic approach analysis. The study shows that there is lack of knowledge with regards to MPAs and that the value associated with them is mainly ecological. Moreover, results show that there is a general demand for more education and awareness on MPAs. In response to these findings, a number of recommendations and a list of possible activities are mentioned together with different stakeholders who could contribute towards incorporating ESD principles in marine education. A visual diagram that illustrates the way forward in this regard is presented. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53268 2021-08-30T07:01:35Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Education for sustainable development for the planning authority’s decision-makers : a choice or an imperative? Abstract: This research entitled ‘Education for Sustainable Development for the Planning Authority’s Decision-Makers: A choice or an imperative?’ has the objective to assess the context of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) addressed to planning officers. The researcher is currently a planning officer within the Planning Authority (PA), and as an insider cherishes a general interest in ESD. ESD is aligned to the research objectives assessed in terms of the influences impacting decision-makers at the PA, apart from the degree of compatibility interlinking PA’s Vision, Mission and Values focusing on sustainable development. A further relevant objective is the significance granted to ESD at decision-making aligned to the research outcomes. An extensive Literature Review aligned to ESD was compiled integrating the international with the local planning context. Among the issues discussed are ESD within the context of the PA, interactive governance together with the status of planning officers within the PA. Likewise constraints within the context of decisionmaking are tackled. As part of the Methodology, a triangulation approach was favoured. The quantitative approach capitalises questionnaires addressed to planning officers. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were favoured in the qualitative approach, and served as a synergy of fresh perspectives on ESD and the PA. The research Outcomes and then respective Analysis are presented at a later stage, serving as a background to the recommendations presented in the final chapter. This is because the researcher intends that this study serves not as an end but as an instrumental means to explore ESD within the Maltese planning context, now and in the future. It is envisaged that ESD not only generates more effective planning but likewise relevant multiplier benefits and in sustaining a better quality of life. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53267 2020-04-05T05:11:58Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Scuba divers as agents of education for sustainable development in Malta Abstract: A case study approach was used to explore the capacity of scuba diving as a significant life experience, and the level of responsibility adopted by a community of local divers in Malta. The case explored the roots of advocacy and action through in depth qualitative interviews with five local marine advocates, quantitative questionnaires with individual divers, observations at professional dive centre association, and document research. The research identified patterns of behavioural change within these different groups, and identified perceived barriers to local marine conservation. Website reviews were conducted of both the professional dive centre association and five additional individual dive centres, to explore the level of coherence between the promoted principles and engaged topics of the association. The study assessed the current capacity of scuba divers as agents of Education for Sustainable Development, and recommended ways forward in which they can be utilized further. The study concludes that scuba diving and time spend in natural environments are recognized by both advocates and individuals divers, as having played a key role in shaping environmental sensitivity and advocacy. Other influential variables emerged which can be incorporated into enhancing educational scuba diving experiences. A lack of national stakeholder participation and support, along with a lack of enforcement were identified within the case as chief barriers to effective marine management in Malta. While the professional association of dive centres were engaging topics related to sustainable industry operation, tension within the industry itself and a lack of human resources to execute wider projects were hindering its capacity for wider change. The case study concludes with a new behavioural model for scuba divers as agents for education for sustainable development, emphasising the need for more collaborative and educational partnerships. This community based approach to transformative education can direct both formal and informal educational initiatives, to maximise opportunity for wider civil marine advocacy in Malta. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z