Siesta Net TV program launches fund raising scheme to assist BICREF in its local conservation research and educational programs.

As BICREF has been contributing to local awareness and to promoting active voluntary work in connection with research and monitoring, Clare Agius through the program Siesta has organized a scheme whereby any person wishing to assist the necessary voluntary environmental work undertaken by BICREF may do so by purchasing the Siesta blue dolphin which is being made available at various stationary shops. These include:

Clamus, Valletta and St.Julians

Mecca, St Pauls Bay

Conimex Toyshop and Stationery, Attard

Toyland, Mosta

Old Trafford Stationery, M'Xlokk

Cake Decorations - Orienti Arcades, Rabat GOZO

Siesta blue dolphin for BICREF fund

Though BICREF has already been working in the area of conservation research and environmental education, it feels a lot still needs to be done. There is much talk about our natural heritage needing to be safeguarded but poor financial assistance toward this target. It is very important that the local public may feel they can contribute directly in conservation projects by buying a symbol of our vulnerable environment - the dolphin.

For years now BICREF has promoted local education on the vulnerability and needs of our environment, through projects such as the Award winning ecotourism environmental documentaries (which were also shown in local TV stations), interviews on radios and tv, nature photographic exhibitions and talks (currently ongoing in schools as well), terrestrial and marine ongoing monitoring work in conservation areas, such as Ghajn tuffieha and Ramla, and other potential marine conservation areas, awareness campaigns on various issues including the increasing tuna penning industry and the need for marine conservation areas.

BICREF has also assisted in ongoing scientific research in conservation projects, such as the cetacean and turtle research project initiated and run by Dr. Adriana Vella, Ph.D. In this regard, BICREF also launched the Middle Sea Race Award and the biodiversity projects with SCUBA divers to increase involvement and appreciation from persons using our natural environment.
All these projects could only be achieved with the dedication and time of BICREF members and with the various private sponsors believing in the importance of our natural assets.

Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in our territorial waters, which happen to be one of the marine mammals requiring urgent protection in the Mediterranean. Photo taken by Dr. Adriana Vella, Ph.D.

BICREF strongly believes that the gap of local knowledge is still substantial thus limiting the effectiveness of our natural heritage protection. Accurate knowledge can pave the way to sound planning, management, monitoring and education, due to this all BICREF's funds are used to cover running research and awareness costs.