Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532501
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 19 FEBRUARY 2025 NATURE BIRDLIFE Malta has an- nounced the successful conclusion of the Erasmus+ funded project, A Super- power to Defend Nature. This groundbreaking initi- ative, which ran from Janu- ary 2023 to February 2025, addressed a critical gap in outdoor and environmental education for children with developmental and learning disabilities. Children with such dis- abilities often face barri- ers to participating in na- ture-based activities due to inaccessible resources, untrained educators, or the misconception that they cannot fully engage with en- vironmental learning. This project tackled these challenges head-on, break- ing down barriers and pro- moting equity through spe- cialised tools and inspiring resources. This project was coor- dinated by BirdLife Mal- ta in collaboration with six international partners: Kummissjoni għad-Dritti- jiet ta' Persuni b'Diżabbiltà (CRPD, Malta); Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO, BirdLife Spain); Lega Italiana Protezione Uccelli (LIPU, BirdLife Italy); Hel- lenic Ornithological Society (BirdLife Greece); Idryma Prostasias Aprosarmoston Paidon I Theotokos (Theot- okos Foundation, Greece); and Associazione Italiana Persone Down Onlus (Italy) Spanning Malta, Greece, Italy, and Spain, the project fostered nature-bonding ex- periences that empowered children, inspired families and united communities. The project delivered four impactful resources: 1. Outdoor educators' manual – "Let's make nature education more inclusive": Guidelines to adapt outdoor ed- ucation for children with Special Educa- tional Needs (SEN). 2. Teachers' manual – "Green adventures": Tools to help edu- cators and Learning Support Educators (LSE) in nature-based activities. 3. Family handbook – "Beyond cognitive boundaries": Activity ideas to help families strengthen bonds and explore nature's ben- efits. 4. Inspirational video – "Together in nature": Stories showcasing SEN children thriving in nature, breaking stereotypes, and in- spiring inclusive prac- tices. By empowering children to develop confidence and visibility, inspiring fami- lies and educators to em- brace inclusivity, and rais- ing awareness of the crucial role children with SEN can play in environmental stew- ardship, the project has laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, sustainable fu- ture. The conclusion of the pro- ject marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter: • Broader dissemina- tion of resources: The project manuals and videos will be widely distributed through partnerships with schools, NGOs, and community organiza- tions. • Capacity building for educators: BirdLife Malta will train envi- ronmental educators and nature reserve staff to confidently implement inclusive activities for children with learning and de- velopmental disabili- ties. With these efforts, 'A Su- perpower to Defend Nature' will continue to inspire change and create pathways for all children to connect with nature, grow person- ally, and contribute to sus- tainability. For more information or ac- cess to the project's resourc- es, please contact BirdLife Malta at education@ birdlifemalta.org or go to Welcome to A Superpower to Defend Nature | BirdLife Malta 'A Superpower to Defend Nature' project concludes with a vision for an inclusive future