Nine students from Sir Mikiel Anġ Refalo Sixth Form, Victoria, accompanied by their biology teacher Adrian Vassallo, took part in Operation Wallacea – a 15-day scientific expedition in Nou Sasesc and Mesendorf, two villages in Transylvania, Romania.
The students undertook fieldwork to collect data that will enable scientists to publish papers in peer-reviewed journals on environment conservation, specifically on how to save species from extinction and showing farmers how to keep their traditional way of farming and not resort to using pesticides.
The students were surprised by the area’s extensive biodiversity, including hundreds of butterfly, grasshopper and bird species, some of which, unfortunately, are on the verge in becoming extinct.
The expedition was held by Opwall, a network of academics from European and North American universities that designs and implements biodiversity and conservation management research expeditions.
Vassallo commented that the expedition had been very well organised and safe.
Prior to joining the research expedition the students held various fundraising activities to support their participation in the programme.