Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513668
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 DECEMBER 2023 7 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 898. Salina Nature Reserve DESPITE centuries of human interference, the Salina area still at- tracts nature. Patches of saltmarsh and reedbed harbour an inter- esting flora and fauna, including species found only here. The old saltpans too do their bit, acting as shallow lakes that draw tired waterbirds on migration. Now that the area enjoys protected sta- tus and is under BirdLife management, Salina is being given some long-overdue attention. Careful habitat restoration and extension of the saltmarsh and open water bodies is stimulating aquatic biodiver- sity to flourish again. And, as with BirdLife's other nature reserves, people too are factored in, with footpaths, birdwatching hides and information panels. So do go visit, it's free. At this time of year Salina is extra magical as it's home to over a thousand cheeky gulls spend- ing winter there. Best wishes to all! Podcast about community energy Our Climate Campaign Coordinator, Suzanne Maas, recently had a discussion with Ganado Advocates on their podcast 'Ganado Meets Green Finance.' The episode delved into the topic of renewable energy communities. Community energy represents one of the solutions for a just transition and the democratization of energy. It goes beyond sim- ply having a clean, renewable energy source; it also involves educating people about energy use, the energy system, and reducing overall ener- gy demand. Suzanne also shares insights into FoE Malta's work, with a focus on our climate campaign and energy situation in Malta. Listen now on… ganado.com/ganado-meets/ Spotify: https://bit.ly/3M73qPA Google: https://bit.ly/3RYwFrs Apple: https://bit.ly/3QkTbcP Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti (photo) www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 778: Listen now on… ganado.com/ganado-meets/ 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 Gigi D'Alessio in Concert On 23 March Place: Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre Gigi D'Alessio in Concert featuring the Versatile Orchestra under the direction of Mro. Paul Borg. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Zfindays 2024 On Febuary 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 Place: Valletta Campus Theatre ZfinMalta is thrilled to present ZfinDays 2024, a a celebration of contemporary dance by ŻfinMalta National Dance Company! This year we are pleased to present a double bill: 'Cantata' by Mauro Bigonzetti & 'Aringa Rossa .10' by Ambra Senatore. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Actress Ellie Leach has been crowned this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion on BBC One. The former Coronation Street actress beat EastEnders' Bobby Brazier and Bad Education star Layton Williams to lift the glitterball trophy in Saturday's live final. Emmy-nominated actor Jonathan Majors has been dropped by Marvel Studios after he was convicted of assaulting his then-girlfriend. On Monday, a jury in New York found that Majors, 34, attacked and harassed British choreographer Grace Jabbari during an argument in March They were the youngest trio of finalists ever to compete. Following the verdict, a Marvel spokesperson said the studio would no longer work with the actor.