BICREF is undertaking regular biodiversity surveys in the Ghajn Tuffieha and Ramla Bay conservation areas in Malta and Gozo respectively in order to assist GAIA in its conservation management planning. The upcoming surveys are going to be preceded by a voluntary training session by BICREF experienced field biologists and divers. This upcoming training session is
to be held on the 15th of July 2004, during which various research methods and the biodiversity found in these areas are overviewed. The focus of this session will be our coastal and marine biodiversity: how to study, assess and protect. This training session will be held at Ghajn Tuffieha at the GAIA visiting centre.

BICREF is very active in marine and coastal biodiversity surveys and especially in summer numerous SCUBA divers, snorkeling and sailing enthusiasts assist in its long-term marine biodiversity data collection. Biodiversity research is fundamental to BICREF as it believes many of the uncontrolled local developments and activities with negative environmental impacts may very well be the cause of misinformation, gaps in local biodiversity knowledge and lack of awareness of the importance of biodiversity to life on and around our Islands. Biodiversity research efforts may pave the way to understanding better how the incredible network of living organisms have adapted through time and will be affected by the increasing and synergistic environmental changes around us.

Comments after the surveys -

These summer surveys were a success in participation and we look forward to increasing numbers next year!

DOWNLOAD: Report of surveys at Ramla undertaken with BICREF member assistance.