Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/260953
THIS WEEK maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2014 35 THIS WEEK Bats have always suered a bad reputation: their body parts have for ages been used in sorcery, devils sport bat wings all over medieval illustrations, and Mr Stoker's gothic classic didn't much improve the situation. Such a pity, because bats are harmless and hugely interesting: they're the only truly ying mammals, and their echolocation is as fascinating as it is incredible. We get about 10 species in Malta, and the Maghrebian Bat (M: Vespertin) is one of the largest. Like other bats in Malta it's not particularly common and its survival is threatened by habitat destruction, disturbance and direct persecution. All European – and Maltese – bats are insectivorous, and very ecient they are too: one bat can consume 2000 moths and mosquitoes in a single night! No wonder they are protected, yes even in Malta. And by the way, when I say 'largest' I mean a wingspan less than the length of this page, so this beast won't be carrying o your children in their sleep! One last thing: bats aren't blind. Text Victor Falzon Photo Matthew Borg Cardona 391. MAGHREBIAN BAT Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 293: : DON'T LAG BEHIND An insulating jacket for your water tank costs about €20 and could pay for itself within months. It's one of the easiest ways to save energy and cut your bills. Aichi Biodiversity Targets – Pollution Reduced This target specifically addresses pollution, including from excess nutrients - Pollution refers to chemical contaminants that are introduced to the environment resulting in instability or harm. Pollution can take numerous forms as a variety of chemical compounds can cause environmental damage depending on their properties and concentrations. The target specifically highlights excess nutrients. Excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, by promoting plant and algae growth, can have particularly negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning especially in aquatic environments where they can result in eutrophication and the creation of "dead zones" with severe losses of valuable ecosystem services. Common causes of excessive nutrients are sewage and agricultural runoff. The target also specifies that pollution should be brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity – Therefore the target does not require that all pollutants be eliminated but does require that they are reduced to a point where they do not have a negative effect on biodiversity. The point at which pollution can be considered detrimental depends on the type of pollutant considered as well as the environment it is affecting. As part of its national obligations Malta targets the implementation by 2020, of effective measures to address pollution (including from excess nutrients) in line with the requirements of established legislation, is showing signs of a decreasing trend in current pollution levels, where feasible. Teatru Salesjan calls for fresh talent TEATRU Salesjan is dedicated to finding exciting new works and artists of exceptional promise. The theatre, found in Howard Street, Sliema, will strive to help produce art that presents new perspectives and engages with the world we live in today. The theatre is looking for origi- nal works or fresh adaptations and promising writers, composers and artists alike. It will strive to help tell bold stories that speak to a modern audience. The following points should give a clearer picture of what the theatre is looking for: Innovation Artists are encouraged to come up with novel ways of expressing themselves and commenting on the world around them. The theatre welcomes artists from various disciplines in order to help determine how these dif- ferent artists could collaborate to develop work. By doing so, the theatre would be promoting an approach based on research to ensure sustainabilit y. The theatre will encourage un- orthodox collaborations between disciplines, e.g. lacemakers with poets or jazz players with clowns. Reach – Increased Participating artists should bear in mind that their work needs to be in touch with an active aud- iecne. The theatre aims to integrate au- dience members to the work being developed to ensure ownership. By creating formative events for chil- dren, young people and adults at the theatre or in schools, the thea- tre would be gradually attract a new audience. The theatre encour- ages collaborations with schools to create school programmes, youth agencies and youth centres to link young people together through art or local councils and charities to link adults. The theatre will be collaborating with the gradual possibilit y of ex- tending this to a wider European context. Engagement The theatre wants artists to touch upon issues relevant to au- dience members and introduce them with new ideas and view- points towards a particular sub- ject, to instill discussion. It is hoped that artists respond creatively to topical issues and themes. The theatre board is welcom- ing proposals from local or for- eign artists and organisations from any artistic discipline wish to present their works through- out the 2014/2015 season. The TS calendar conventionally begins in October and ends in June. How- ever as from next season, we will be segmenting the calendar into three different groups: October to December February to April June to August Artworks could take place in any area within the theatre complex, but could also extend to reach out to other locales within Sliema. This is a pitch, so ideas will even- tually develop once accepted. Project proposals are to be sent to info@teatrusalesjan.com by March 29, 2014 Winter Moods back on the radio WINTER Moods are back on radio with a new song. 'Ever- lasting' is a powerful strong ballad, in the style that Winter Moods have become renowned for. The band launched the song during the final of the Malta Eurovision Song Con- test last Saturday. "Sometimes you work for days, weeks and months to find the right words and melodies, then a magical moment hap- pens… a chord and a melody and there's goosebumps. Emo- tions give birth to song and it make sense. It takes a life of its own. 'Everlasting' is one of those songs. It is hard to ex- plain. I am in love with this song, it is special and I know we will be singing it together in concert - one heart, one voice," said Winter Moods front man Ivan Grech. 'Everlasting' follows in the success of the band's hit, 'Days of My Life' which topped lo- cal charts in the past months. Both songs are taken from the band's upcoming new album which is due for release before Summer. The music and lyrics of 'Ever- lasting' are by Ivan Grech. The song was recorded and pro- duced by David Vella at Tem- ple Studios, Mistra Malta. For more information one can log on to www.wintermoods.net and www.facebook.com/win- termoods