Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/88148
Title: Linking biodiversity and human health to achieve sustainability
Other Titles: Universities, sustainability and society : supporting the implementation of the sustainable development goals
Authors: Gatt, Deborah A.
Mifsud, Mark C.
Keywords: Environmental education -- Malta
Sustainability -- Malta
Sustainable development -- Malta
Biodiversity
Human ecology
Issue Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer
Citation: Gatt, D. A., & Mifsud, M. C. (2021). Linking biodiversity and human health to achieve sustainability. In W. Leal Filho, A. Lange Salvia, L. Brandli, U. M. Azeiteiro & R. Pretorius (Eds.), Universities, sustainability and society : supporting the implementation of the sustainable development goals (pp. 35-54). Cham: Springer.
Abstract: In Malta, a migration towards academia and urban posts, at the expense of lowerprofit rural occupations, has lent weight to the loss of appreciation of the local environment and knowledge regarding biodiversity and its benefits in terms of health and well-bring. The trend towards urban environments and technological lifestyles (for example, computers, television, tablets, mobile phones) has further promoted the disconnection from nature among the “modern and civilised” man. Education of the local population is required to increase awareness of biodiversity as not simply an aesthetic benefit but an essential part of life with significant psychological and physiological benefits, including the proper and robust functioning of the various systems within the human body. Higher Education Institutions are highly respected as sources of information, and educators in such institutions are well-placed to impart knowledge and skills regarding sustainable development to students, and ultimately the community (Chinnasamy and Daniels 2019). Unfortunately, topics and skills relating to sustainable development may be regarded as non-essential components of courses, and are not necessarily incorporated (Waas et al. 2010). In addition, Higher Education Institutions are strategically sited to develop research centres that encourage the active participation of members of the local communities (Granados-Sánchez et al. 2011). However, to implement effective outreach, the current situation must first be understood. The literature reviewed revealed a lack of studies on Maltese adults. This study addresses this gap through the surveying of Maltese adults in the age bracket of 30 to 45 years old, with a view to contributing towards establishing a baseline for current understanding of local biodiversity and its effects on human health.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/88148
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