https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/471 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:58:15 GMT 2026-04-09T10:58:15Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142208 Title: Assessing sustainability and behavioural trends in the Maltese 4- and 5-star hospitality sector Authors: Borg, Simon Paul; Buttigieg, Charles; Xuereb, Michaela; Konietzny, Colette; Borg, Jamie Abstract: The hospitality sector, increasingly aware of environmental concerns, is focusing on improving resource efficiency so as to reduce its environmental impact. In Malta, where tourism is a vital economic pillar, the hospitality sector significantly influences the local environment. Although resource-efficient practices are known, their actual implementation and effectiveness remain uncertain. To address this gap, this research investigates sustainability practices and behavioural trends in 4- and 5-star hotels, using specifically tailored questionnaires to explore the perspectives of both hotel management and guests on sustainability. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142208 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141620 Title: AI-driven modeling of long-term environmental impact on Mnajdra prehistoric megalithic temples, Malta Authors: Azzopardi, Joel; Micallef, Daniel; Valantinavičius, Mantas; Cassar, JoAnn Abstract: The Mnajdra Prehistoric Megalithic Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Malta’s southern coast, have faced centuries of environmental challenges, including wind erosion, salt damage, and solar radiation. Built from two types of limestone, including the soft and porous Globigerina limestone, and lacking their original roofing, parts of these temples are severely eroded. Reversible open-sided shelters were installed in 2009 to mitigate some impacts, but understanding the underlying causes of degradation remains crucial. [extract] Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141620 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141455 Title: Visionary nature-based actions for health, wellbeing and resilience in cities Authors: Kolokotsa, Denia; Rainbird, Jenny; Baldacchino, Neil; Baldacchino, Saviour; Biancifiori, Sara; Bisello, Adriano; Bratkovič, Franci; Bretzel, Francesca; Calleja, Kurt; Capezzuto, Pasquale; Clouet, Yoann; Cofino, Wim; Conlon, Ursula; Cosier, James; Dall'acqua, Tommaso; Duca, Edward; Fabjan, David Alexander; Fleming, Kevin; Genevaz, Juliette; Geršič, Peter; Goni, Eleni; Ilic, Ivica; Jelmini, Alice; Jonsson, Stina; Kastelic, Blaz; Keogh, Colin; Laget, Marc; Landuydt, Karen; Lilli, Aikaterini; Maksimović, Vesna; Mali, Luka; Micallef, Daniel; Mizzi, Francesca; Padraig, O'hora; Passatore, Laura; Polichronaki, Sevasti; Pozzobon, Luca; Salvatori, Elisabetta; Scomparin, Nicola; Siakantaris, Charalampos; Simandirakis, Panagiotis; Strniša, Miroslav; Tsekeri, Elisavet; Ulander, Gustaf; Urrutia Azcona, Koldo; Van Rompaey, Sara Abstract: In an increasingly urbanized world, local governments and international institutions strive to enhance the productivity and efficiency of cities - recognized as economic growth hubs - while ensuring better quality of life and better living conditions for citizens. To meet these challenges, VARCITIES puts the citizen and the "human community" in the eye of the future cities’ vision. The aim of the VARCITIES project is to translate visionary ideas into real solutions by reshaping shared public spaces and making cities liveable and welcoming. Seven municipalities that are exposed to diverse climatic conditions and challenges around Europe have been identified as case studies. Each pilot city has been recognized as a large-scale site for co-designing and implementing local actions and has adopted an innovative cross-sectoral approach by combining urban digital transformation with nature-based actions. This innovative solution's implementation is consistent with the increase in citizens' awareness, respect for public spaces, and the integration of green spaces into everyday life. Developing a healthy green mind set for citizens and improving economic opportunities through green-digital strategies, drives the implementation of additional actions towards becoming a more sustainable and equitable city. The development process of these visionary ideas into feasible actions is approached by following a bottom-up planning and co-design participatory process involving local stakeholders, assuming a "multiple benefits" perspective, and addressing social issues and cultural diversion. [extract]. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141455 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141454 Title: Understanding some of the effects of shelter design on deterioration at the Mnajdra megalithic temples of Malta Authors: Faieta, Rosangela; Cassar, JoAnn; Valantinavičius, Mantas; Micallef, Daniel Abstract: The site of Mnajdra, one of the UNESCO-listed Megalithic Temples of Malta (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/132) dating back to 3600 - 2400 BC, is located on the southern coast of the Maltese archipelago. This site, along with two other similar sites, was sheltered in 2009 with reversible, open-sided shelters, with the aim of mitigating the critical impact of the aggressive marine environment on the conservation of the limestone megaliths. Environmental conditions such as rain, wind, salt damage and direct insolation - triggering thermoclastism (thermal stress)- were identified as a key factor contributing to the progressive stone weathering and are currently being monitored by a multidisciplinary study. [extract] Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141454 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z