Perceptions of the Maltese Public towards Local Marine Protected Areas

Abstract

The marine environment represents a central component of Maltaís local environment, and its ecosystem services play a vital role in supporting the economy as well as human well-being. Plans have been made to protect the unique ecology found within Maltese waters through the institution of five marine protected areas (MPAs). This quantitative study assessed the environmental knowledge and attitudes of the Maltese public towards the local marine environment, MPAs and education for sustainable development (ESD). A questionnaire was administered to members of the public (n = 200) at three different locations. The study found that although the Maltese public strongly appreciates the beauty of Maltaís marine environment, the level of knowledge surrounding the marine environment is low. Furthermore, the research indicates that while the public agrees that the marine environment should be protected, there is a notable lack of awareness of the five local MPAs. Based on the research findings, a model linking ESD to MPAs and aiming to foster a sense of ownership among the public by encouraging their involvement in the management of local MPAs is proposed.

Moving towards a sustainable cetacean-based tourism industry – A case study from Mozambique

“…This further shows that the tourists have insufficient knowledge of what an MPA is. Studies analysing the public perceptions of MPAs in other countries have presented similar results (Mifsud and Verret, 2015;Thomassin et al, 2010;Trenouth et al, 2012).…”

“…When asked to rate how well they knew the reasoning behind the MPA's establishment, a combined total of 42% affirmed to have none to only some knowledge; 30% had good knowledge; and 28% affirmed they had excellent self-reported knowledge. A study in Malta has produced similar data with the majority of people being aware of the studied MPA, but a smaller proportion actually knowing why it was created (L. Trenouth et al, 2012;Mifsud and Verret, 2015;Thomassin et al, 2010).…”

Marine environmental education learning system recommendation model based on student needs analysis in Indonesian coastal areas

“…One very successful program uses the marine environment as an integrated context between disciplines and subjects (McDonnell, 2001) and the other used the relationship explored between marine science standards and scientific content (New Jersey Sea Grant College Program, 2000). Mifsud and Verret (2015) produced a model linking continuing education to local marine conservation aimed at fostering a sense of belonging within the community by encouraging their involvement in the management of local marine areas. conservation, as the marine environment is a central component of Malta's local environment.…”