Nature Trust Malta
Nature Trust Malta (NTM) is a non-profit, environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the protection and conservation of the natural environment in the Maltese Islands. Established in 1962, it is one of Malta’s oldest and largest environmental NGOs and is a privileged partner of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Over the decades, NTM has been actively involved in efforts to protect Malta’s natural heritage through habitat restoration, species conservation, and environmental education. The organisation promotes ecological awareness and encourages sustainable practices among local communities, while also participating in international collaborations addressing broader environmental issues. Through its various initiatives — including site management, wildlife rehabilitation, educational programmes, and eco-tourism promotion — NTM contributes to the preservation and appreciation of the natural environment of the Maltese Islands.[1]
Historical Overview[2]
- Founded on 12 December 1962 as the Natural History Society of Malta.
- In January 1999, merged with three other environmental groups: Arbor (1989), Verde (1997), and the Marine Life Care Group, forming the present-day Nature Trust (Malta).
- In 2017, became the national coordinator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), based in Denmark.
- One of the oldest and largest environmental NGOs in Malta.
- Expanded activities to include habitat restoration, species conservation, environmental education, eco-tourism, and wildlife rehabilitation.
Main Activities[3]
- Site Management and Habitat Restoration: Managing and restoring protected areas including Wied Għollieqa Nature Reserve (SAC), Cirkewwa Marine Park, Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park, Pembroke Garigue Natura 2000 site, Majjistral Nature and Heritage Park (jointly with Heritage Parks Federation), Ballut Natura 2000 site (Marsaxlokk), and Magħluq Natura 2000 site (Marsascala). Activities include afforestation, invasive species removal, and habitat rehabilitation.
- Environmental Education: Organising educational visits, marine life talks, and running programmes under the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) such as EkoSkola (Green Flag), Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE), Learning About Forests (LEAF), Blue Flag for beaches and marinas, and Green Key for hotels.
- Eco-Tourism: Promoting eco-tourism to increase appreciation of natural and cultural heritage through walking guides, collaboration with tour operators, and guided excursions.
- Membership Activities: Providing members with guided walks, seminars, talks, outdoor activities, and discounts on publications.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation: Operating a centre that provides care for injured or orphaned animals, including marine turtles, hedgehogs, and bats, facilitating their recovery and release.
- International Collaboration: Partnering with organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), ACCOBAMS, Mediterranean Information Office – ECSD, Climate Action Europe, and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) to address environmental issues at regional and global levels.
Partnership with Meridianbet[4][5][6]
- Nature Trust Malta (NTM) has recently established a partnership with Meridianbet, reflecting the growing role of private-sector support in advancing environmental conservation.
- Meridianbet has provided significant funding to NTM’s wildlife rehabilitation centre, enabling essential medical treatment, nourishment, and care for vulnerable local species such as marine turtles, hedgehogs, and bats.
- This support helps facilitate the recovery and eventual release of these animals back into their natural habitats.
- Beyond direct financial assistance, the collaboration between NTM and Meridianbet contributes to raising public awareness of environmental issues and highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in protecting natural heritage.
- Through this partnership, Meridianbet demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and positions itself as a socially responsible entity within the gaming industry, promoting environmentally conscious practices.
See Also
References
- ↑ Nature Trust Malta, climate-pact.europa.eu, Retrieved July 6, 2025
- ↑ Who We Are, naturetrustmalta.org, Retrieved July 6th, 2025
- ↑ What We Do, naturetrustmalta.org, Retrieved July 6, 2025
- ↑ Meridianbet supports Nature Trust Malta, maltatoday.com.mt/, Retrieved July 6, 2025
- ↑ Meridianbet’s commitment to environmental conservation: A look back at the last three months, maltatoday.com.mt, Retrieved July 6th, 2025
- ↑ Meridianbet’s Year Of Impact And Future Vision, maltadaily.mt, Retrieved July 6th, 2025
