Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1489031
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 DECEMBER 2022 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 846. Salina Nature Reserve DESPITE centuries – millennia, even – of human meddling, the Salina area still harbours rare natural habitat. A brackish canal, patches of saltmarsh and reedbed are all home to an interesting flo- ra and fauna, including species found only here. The old saltpans too do their bit, acting as shallow lakes that attract tired waterbirds on migration. Since coming under BirdLife management some years ago, Salina is being given a good dose of long-overdue attention. Careful habitat restoration and extension of the saltmarsh and areas of open water is stimulating aquatic biodiversity to flourish again. And – as in all our nature reserves – people are never left out of the equation, so do go visit, it's free. Right now the place is extra magical as it "snows" with the hundreds of gulls spending their winter there! Happy Christmas. The need for Food Sovereignty There is something wrong with our current food system, and it's because it is dominated by large corporations. A small handful of them control most of the production, processing, distribution, marketing and retailing of food. While the supply of food is huge, most of it is imported from abroad and produced using chemicals. Not only does nature suffer, but workers in the fields are also exposed to the chemicals, which can have serious consequences for their health. Local organic food is usually more expensive and therefore not equally accessible to everyone as conven- tional food. But everyone should be able to enjoy quality food! That is why we need a change to a different and more democratic food system. Food sovereignty would give communities more control over how food is produced, traded and consumed. This could mean, for ex- ample, supporting people and communities to grow their own food. In addition, locally grown food needs to be subsidised by the government to make it affordable for everyone. Examples of local food systems in- clude community-supported agriculture, farmers markets and commu- nity gardens, just like the one at our office in Floriana. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 734: Read the letter to the Prime Minister calling for farmers' land rights to be respected https://foemalta.org/press-releas- es/farmersland/ Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this Christmas Village at The Ta' Xbiex Marina Until 6 January Place: Ta' Xbiex Marina The Ta' Xbiex Marina is being transformed into a unique Christmas Village from the 7th Dec till the 6th Jan 2023. The very first spectacular drone show shall be taking place alongside unique attractions including an Ice Rink, Ice Bumping Cars, Virtual Rides, Flying Chairs, Trampolines, Kids Trains and Pony Rides. Walking through the Christmas village you can indulge yourself with a variety of festive foods and drink options in the Christmas market. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member André Rieu in Dublin 7-8 January Place: Eden Cinema André Rieu is heading back on the big screen for 2 shows only! Start 2023 in style with André Rieu in Dublin. Exclusive to cinemas this celebratory concert is the best way to welcome in the new year! André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will delight you with romantic melodies, popular classics, party tunes and beloved waltzes. André in Dublin is the maestro's first recorded concert in the Irish capital for more than 20 years – it is a truly special event not to be missed. Bring your loved ones to your local cinema and enjoy an evening of music and dance on the big screen with André Rieu. Happy New Year. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK A rare edition of the first Harry Potter book, never released to the public, has been auctioned for £8,000. The copy, which was signed by author JK Rowling, was one of only 15 produced for a competition to mark the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Mike Hodges, the director of films including Flash Gordon and Get Garter, has died aged 90. Hodges' film credits include Croupier, The Terminal Man and 2003's I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, his final feature film. It was awarded to entrant Chloe Esslemont, then aged 16, from Cumbria. The director reportedly died at his home in Dorset on Saturday. No cause of death has yet been announced.