Biodiversity at The Cliffs Centre and CEPA
Biodiversity is often defined as the “variety and variability of life on Earth…an essential component of nature.” Malta is one of the signatories of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which aims to conserve biodiversity and use its elements sustainably.
The latest “Fifth national report to the CBD” (MEPA, 2015) has updated the Maltese Islands’ progress in the efforts to achieve Biodiversity Targets. Amongst the targets set up by Malta is that related to Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) to contribute to the decade of biodiversity (2011-2020).
National action included the organisation of various initiatives to promote biodiversity through education. Malta celebrated the International Biodiversity Day on 22nd May 2014. The day before, The Cliffs Interpretation Centre hosted the media conference by MEPA, the then national authority to showcase the major achievements, challenges, and ongoing efforts to safeguard biodiversity and generate more awareness.
The National report also identifies and encourages the work done by the centre as “Other CEPA-related activities include those undertaken at The Cliffs Interpretation Centre in Dingli Cliffs, which is managed by La Pinta Ltd. and provides the public, particularly visitors and tourists with information about Dingli and the surrounding countryside” (pg. 137). On a national basis, the collective approach by The Cliffs Interpretation Centre to promote the natural environment and its biodiversity, has been accepted and appreciated.
