Description
Many Maltese people living in urban areas are disconnected from the nature and wildlife. Their awareness of urban birds are very low. The interface between science, policy and the public is often a complicated one. The project will fill the gap by directly involving the public in research and by providing the required information to decision makers. The project’s goal is two folded. On one hand, the project aims at recording and mapping all of the roost sites particularly in urban areas, to enable the identification of important roost sites, so that councils and contractors can be informed of their location and the roosts properly protected. With Spanish sparrows being so common, they also provide the ideal tool to raise awareness about birds and their conservation in a positive way in Malta, as well as developing a sense of community in urban areas in Malta and promoting integration between several groups, especially those with disabilities and mental health issues. The project will involve young ornithologists from BirdLife Malta’s youth groups Klabb Huttaf and Falko.
Summary of project results
No information is currently available on Spanish sparrow communal roosting sites. As a result roosts have been lost or damaged due to trees being harshly pruned at the wrong time of the year, or through trees being removed altogether. Additionally, many Maltese people living in urban areas are disconnected from nature and wildlife and their awareness of urban birds is very low. The project goal is threefold: firstly, the project aims at recording and mapping all of the roost sites particularly in urban areas, to enable the identification of important roost sites, so that councils and contractors can be informed of their location and the roosts properly protected. Secondly, with Spanish sparrows being so common, they provide the ideal tool to raise awareness about birds and their conservation in a positive way on Malta, as well as developing a sense of community in urban areas and promoting integration between several groups, especially those with disabilities and mental health issues. Thirdly, since the project is a partnership between two leading groups in Malta it will result in the strengthening of the NGO network in the country, which will promote a more cohesive society in the future. In order to reach these gaols flyers and posters were produced, a facebook page and a twitter account was created, articles in magazines were published and press releases were scheduled. To this day over 165 roosts have been reported across Malta and Gozo, far above the target number – 10. Several public events and educational sessions have been help, through which at least 5000 members of the public (predominantly children) have been engaged in the project and educated on Sparrow roosting behaviour. Further to this, engagement and training has also been carried out with stakeholders. 16 local councils, as proposed in the project, were contacted, 1 landscaping and 1 public transportation company were involved, as was the target, also 64 (target – 50) primary schools were engaged in a roost-related activity. Falko and Inspire volunteers were trained in roost verification and carried out surveys. Large quantities of data have been obtained from across the Maltese island, which have been analysed and assessed in the form of a scientific paper. The data gathered during this project has also informed tree management plans.
Summary of bilateral results