https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4348 2026-10-08T13:17:23Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149688 Title: The geography of catechism : understanding the determinants of parental choices in Malta Abstract: This study explores the spatial factors influencing the choice of catechism centres in three localities in Malta, Naxxar, Ħaż-Żabbar and Marsascala. The analysis investigates how proximity, accessibility, available facilities, transport and urban form affect parental choices when selecting a catechism centre for their children. A quantitative methodology is applied which combines self-reported questionnaire survey data collected from parents of children preparing for First Holy Communion, use of Fisher's Exact Tests, GIS and urban morphology measurements. Urban compactness was measured using the composite indicator framework developed by Kakar and Prasad (2020). This classified Naxxar as sprawled, Żabbar as marginally compact, and Marsascala as clearly compact. The findings show that the determinants of centre selection are specific to the localities rather than universal. Perceived accessibility and well-equipped classrooms were significant in sprawled Naxxar, outdoor facilities mattered most in compact Żabbar, and transport mode was decisive in Marsascala, where a single dominant centre attracts respondents from across the locality. Proximity establishes the locality-level catchment and influences choice at smaller, close-neighbourhood anchored centres, but is overridden at larger centres, a pattern interpreted through Christaller's (1933) central place theory. In Naxxar, the most geographically accessible centre received the poorest perceived accessibility ratings, indicating that the experience of reaching a centre matters as much as the distance itself. Facility preferences emerge as significant only when urban morphology creates the conditions for comparison, with outdoor facilities decisive in Żabbar's overlapping catchments and well-equipped classrooms decisive in Naxxar's longer travel distances. Transport mode becomes important in Marsascala, where a single dominant centre forces car use despite locality-level compactness, while cognitive dissonance reinforces the existing travel modes of both drivers and walkers. A gap emerges between parents' stated reasons and their revealed behaviour, with spatial conditions quietly shaping decisions that parents attribute to social and personal factors. The study extends established geographical frameworks into a previously unexamined catechetical context. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149393 Title: Urbanisation and reptile population distribution in Malta : citizen awareness for measurement, protection, and conservation Abstract: The main objective of this study is to observe the geography of reptile species population in Malta through citizen awareness, and investigate whether degrees of urbanisation support increasing populations. The study integrates concepts from human geography, conservation biology, and ecology. Using a mixed method approach, the research aims to understand how urban environments influence reptile populations by engaging with citizens from three distinct localities, each reflecting a different degree of urbanisation and rurality. A questionnaire survey was distributed in the localities of Birkirkara, Mosta and Mellieħa. Interviews with experts complement the research on issues of conservation. The study focuses on eight species of Maltese herpetofauna and the factors that influence their distribution across the main island of Malta by analysing correlations between variables collected in the questionnaire survey. Relationships between degree of urbanisation, education, fear, presence of cats, and public awareness of species and protection laws present useful results to provide some recommendations for the monitoring and measurement of species necessary to conserve and protect these reptiles. The findings highlight the importance of citizen awareness and involvement for the implementation of conservation measures for and protection of local herpetofauna. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149392 Title: Geoheritage of the Mtaħleb coast : acknowledgement, potential and appreciation Abstract: This dissertation examines the geoheritage of a selected site along the Mtaħleb Coast, a rural area in western Malta whose geological and geomorphological significance remains largely undocumented. Motivated by the limited national literature on Maltese geoheritage, the study focuses on three objectives: mapping and characterising the site’s physical geography to identify geoheritage features; proposing geotrails that communicate these features to the public; and analysing the profiles and perspectives of people who visit, use, or manage the Mtaħleb Coast. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining geomorphological mapping, field observations, secondary data sources, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. The study provides the first detailed account of the Mtaħleb Coast’s physical geography and identifies a range of geoheritage features of scientific, educational, cultural, and aesthetic value within the selected study site. The three proposed geotrails offer a practical means of enhancing public awareness and address the current lack of geoscientific interpretation in local guidebooks. Findings from questionnaires and interviews highlight the importance of stakeholder involvement in both geoheritage research and in shaping future planning and initiatives. Crucially, the study shows that progress toward geosite and/or geomorphosite designation depends on the prior establishment of adequate financial and human resources, together with sustained stakeholder engagement. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141257 Title: The experiences of Maltese elderly residents in accessing and using local urban green spaces Abstract: This dissertation seeks to better understand the relationship between elderly residents and the urban green spaces in their locality. This includes a study of participants’ perceptions of these spaces in their localities. It also studies the role of these spaces in the lives of the participants, including any benefits participants may perceive themselves to be receiving from such spaces. Finally, it seeks to understand the experiences of participants in accessing such spaces in their locality. The study is a qualitative study centred on three localities: Attard, Marsa and Qormi. The study collected data from observations of urban green spaces in these three localities and from semi-structured interviews with sixteen elderly residents living in the chosen localities. The results of the observations demonstrate that the urban green spaces in all three localities are on average of mediocre quality, particularly when compared to standards promoted by the international literature. In the interviews, participants identified several positive elements about the urban green spaces. However, they also identified and described several aspects which detract from the attractiveness and usefulness of such spaces. Half of the participants gave insightful information as to how these spaces benefited their mental and/or social wellbeing. However, many participants still described elements which detracted from these benefits. A smaller number of participants were able to describe benefits to their physical wellbeing obtained from the urban green spaces. Most participants felt that the urban green spaces are largely accessible, but almost all participants identified and described barriers which made access more difficult. This included a number of physical and social barriers. The findings provide useful information to policymakers and urban planners as to what can be improved about urban green spaces to render them more suitable and attractive to the needs and preferences of elderly residents. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z