https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8596 2026-05-22T07:09:16Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8735 Title: Vegetation along valley sides : an investigation of the transition from the urban-fringe to the valley base Abstract: This dissertation focused on the change in type and abundance of macrophytes, as one proceeds from the plateaux overlooking a valley to the valley sides and valley bed. The plateaux often represent an urban fringe whilst the beds and sides may be less disturbed. This study tried to identify any factors that may have correlated with observed changes in the species richness and species abundance of the vegetation. This study involved sampling of vegetation in Wied Babu, Wied Anġlu, Wied Qirda and Wied Binġemma using walkthrough surveys belt transects. All transects were linear starting from the valley-urban fringe and ending right at the bed of the valley. Transects were established at different points in each valley, and data such as species, slope inclination and soil depth were recorded. Overall, 11 transects were sampled, in which 83 different species were recorded. Species richness and diversity were analysed and the changes observed were correlated with percentage cover, slope inclination and soil depth. A relationship between species diversity and slope inclination was discovered, and also between both species richness and species diversity with the distance away from the valley-urban fringe. All other correlations were statistically insignificant. Species diversity was also analyzed by categorising the species found according to the area they were found in. The results of the study suggested that there was a change in both species richness and diversity from the valley-urban fringe towards the valley bed. The large number of ruderal species found also suggested that anthropogenic disturbance was a major factor in creating the difference in vegetation communities found in the different parts of the valley. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8695 Title: The changing geography of football venues in Malta Abstract: Football in Malta has existed since the late 19th Century, and over this 130 year period many changes have occurred within the sport in terms of both quality and structuring. One of the most important parts of any sport is the venue itself and this is often overlooked in the Geography of Sport. Across the Maltese Islands one can notice that almost every settlement is equipped with Football Venues for both local clubs and the general population to make use of. This dissertation aims to understand the reasoning behind the location of Football Venues across the Maltese Islands. Many variables will be examined over the course of this dissertation with the three main components being; demographic, geographic and time-space analytical data, the latter conducted using Distance-Time Graphs. The purpose of this is to see whether there are any geographical patterns emerging about the distribution of Football Venues across the Islands. The study concludes that patterns of Football Venues are related to the distribution of the local population. As well as this, the dissertation shows that over time, the geographies of the Football Venues and their surrounding areas have altered slightly. Finally, the third conclusion of this report is that as transport methods start to improve technologically, the distribution of venues expands outside of the traditional venues located in the Northern and Southern Harbour Districts. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8689 Title: A study of the production of tomato industry in Gozo : factors which are leading to present day problems in this sector and the decrease of the production of tomatoes on the island Abstract: Gozo is a small island that is part of the Maltese Archipelago with a population of around thirty thousand people. Rurality is a typical characteristic of the island and forms part of the daily routine of the majority of the inhabitants. Agriculture in Gozo has always been a very strong sector and it is considered to be one of the main sources of employment on the island. A number of farmers are specifically focused on the cultivation of tomatoes for processing purposes. They presently encounter various problems such as increasing general costs, decreasing prices and subsidies, competition from abroad, an increase in diseases, and other issues which are all resulting in a general decline in the production of tomatoes. This decline is affecting not only the farmer but also the processor as farmers are not reaching their quota of produce. Action has to be taken in order to keep this sector from failing. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8685 Title: Beach management : a comparative study in addressing beach pollution in Malta Abstract: But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself.- Rachel Carson. The scope of my project is to identify the different types of pollution found on busy beaches and investigate whether these beaches are managed, and if so, how this is being carried out. With such diverse demands, it is impossible for beaches to fulfil the needs of all interested parties. Beaches, like many other threatened environments (such as coastal wetlands), require adaptive management approach that can be adjusted to changing human and environmental needs. (Williams and Micallef, 2009:xx-xxi) How we treat the environment will eventually have a large impact on the economy, on present society and, most acutely, on the interests of generations to come. If we treat the environment well then we are allowing all these consequential aspects to flourish, whereas if we treat it badly we are likely to see such interests perish. Treating beaches well, is one step towards sustainability. Finding the perfect balance between using the Earth's resources and sustaining the environment is crucial. When this does not happen, severe disaster often strikes. The beaches in Malta are a vital organ of the tourism industry. In managing the coast responsibly, including managing beaches, the results are beneficial for all affected parties. Human interventions and impacts affect the health of beach ecosystems. Interestingly, beach management is required because of human interventions that may be wanton or well intentioned. To put it bluntly, beaches the world over are being loved to death by increasing human use and burgeoning demands for competeing uses, many of which are antithetical. As such, beaches are battlegrounds where wars are fought between environmentalists, special interest groups, governments, NGOs, private secotrs, and even the military (for bases, securitization of buffer zones, landing sites). (Williams and Micallef, 2009:xx-xxi) The methods and procedures included in this research involved first and second hand data, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods. This all involved hours of library research, collecting data regarding the pollution found at various beaches, plotting such data on maps and pie charts, and interviewing people involved in beach management. As a result of completing the above procedure, it is safe to say that although pollution is evident at all the beaches investigated, it does not yet constitute an alarming threat. Beach management is crucial and there exists a large discrepancy between the state of those beaches which are managed and those which are not. The implications of my findings largely suggest that beaches which achieved the Blue Flag and the beach ran by the GAIA Foundation constitute the top cleanest beaches, whereas the beaches that are not managed are dirty and unattractive. The measures which distinguish the top cleanest beaches from the dirty, unattractive ones are simple and easily attainable, therefore this work aims to highlight such measures and encourage their implementation. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z