Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1369939
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 MAY 2021 7 NATURE BIRDLIFE Malta and Majjistral Nature and History Park are inviting the public to take part in withNature2020 – an interna- tional event to raise awareness on the importance of protecting our local nature and ecosystem. On Saturday 22nd May 2021 we will be celebrat- ing the International Day for Biological Diversity. BirdLife Malta, together with Majjis- tral Nature and History Park, are aiming to give a strong message on the need to pro- tect the diversity in our local ecosystem. This will be done by laying 500 pieces of colour- ed clothing on the ground which will generate a giant image from above of an en- dangered plant or animal spe- cies. For Malta we have chosen the Yelkouan Shearwater. Our endangered species The Yelkouan Shearwater (Garnija) is one of Malta's breeding seabirds and is en- demic to the Mediterranean region. Malta is a crucial lo- cation for this seabird species as 10% of the world's popu- lation breeds on the Maltese cliffs. This protected seabird species is listed as Vulnera- ble on the International Un- ion for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Its population has rapidly declined and its status has shifted from Least Con- cern, to Near Threatened and to Vulnerable since 2008. Why this event? By creating a visually memo- rable event, Birdlife Malta and Majjistral Nature and History Park are aiming to give a strong message on the need to protect the diversity in our local eco- system. For the one million species at risk of extinction, the coming decade will be decisive. This event will be document- ed live on YouTube where a tapestry of species through time and space will revealed around the world at 17:00. The project, together with the im- ages created around the world, will be developed as a docu- mentary by the BBC World Service. This public demon- stration will be used to appeal to the United Nations to enact stronger policy on biodiversity protection. How you can help You can participate by do- nating items of clothing in specific colours: WHITE, GREY or BLACK. This is a great chance to get rid of some old clothes in this seasonal wardrobe change! In Malta, we are aiming at collecting at least 500 colour- ed clothing to create a big im- pactful image of the Yelkouan Shearwater that will be pho- tographed from above. After the event, clothes will be do- nated to The Inspire Founda- tion charity. If you are interested in taking part, fill in our Google Form (press on the button below) and we will contact you with fur- ther details on how and where you can donate. The drop-off location for the clothing is Sali- na Nature Reserve and you can leave your clothes there up to 20th May. Environmental NGOs hold Nature2020