Nature Trust (Malta), with the support of the international NGO Foundation for Environmental Education, recently hosted the annual national operators’ meeting of the Leaf (Learning About Forests) programme. A total of 21 delegates from 17 countries attended the two-day meeting, held at Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park and Sustainable Development Centre, Marsaxlokk.
The meeting discussed issues related to the management of the Leaf programme and its implementation in schools and other educational facilities. It also included presentations from delegates of various countries and discussion workshops.
Leaf is a sister programme to Ekoskola. It seeks to help students understand the key role forests play for sustainable life on the planet and the extent to which their role is being compromised by our way of life. The programme is an opportunity for schools to empower students to adopt an active role in environmental decision-making and action in their school community.
The latest changes in the National Curriculum Framework, which recognise Education for Sustainable Development as one of the central cross-curricular themes, offer fertile ground for the Leaf programme to flourish in Malta.
Nature Trust (Malta) hosted the meeting in the most sustainable way possible, keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum, including the use of sustainable products with the majority of food items being locally sourced.
The Leaf meeting in Malta was supported by GreenR Cabs, an innovative company which has introduced a brand new fleet of zero-emissions cabs in Malta to offer a 24/7 service.
Other supporting partners included Marsaxlokk local council, Parks Directorate, HSBC Catch the Drop Campaign, EDIC Victoria Gozo office, EDIC Malta and Wasteserv.