To mark World Wetlands Day, schoolchildren were last week taken for special education tours of the Għadira and Simar nature reserves in an activity held by Birdlife Malta and Bank of Valletta's education programme Dinja Waħda.

Through the programme, children are learning about the wildlife that can be found in Malta's different habitats, including wetland habitats, said Dinja Waħda manager Nicolette Falzon.

Besides containing a wealth of flora and fauna, the Għadira and Simar wetlands are important for migratory birds that stop to rest there while on migration. Malta is one of the three main migratory routes that wild birds use while travelling between Europe and Africa.

The Għadira and Simar nature reserves were designated as wetlands of international importance in 1988 and 1996 respectively and the United Nations has declared 2010 as the Year of Biodiversity.

The reserves are open to the public on weekends between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. Guided walks through the reserve are held every hour. Entrance is free and no prior booking is required.

Dinja Waħda programme is run in collaboration with the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE).

For more information contact Ms Falzon on 2134 7644/5, e-mail nicolette.falzon@birdlifemalta.org or visit the website www.birdlifemalta.org.