Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/302202
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 27 APRIL 2014 40 THIS WEEK We hardly have any wetlands. Well, a small island made of porous rock, without mountains or rivers and with a long, hot, dry summer cannot be rich in watery places. Moreover, the few marshy places we once had have long been drained (like Burmarrad and Marsa) or built over (like Msida). The only three remaining sites are Għadira, Is-Simar and Is-Salini. The rst two were saved from oblivion through BirdLife's e orts, and Is-Salini only survived because of their economic value, namely salt production. The 16th century saltpans were built at the mouth of the Wied il-Għasel complex, and in its original state the place must have been a magnet for tired waterbirds migrating to and from Europe and Africa – even in today's highly degraded state the site still attracts herons, waders, spoonbills, even the odd cormorant or amingo. The saltpans are now being restored for salt production, as a tourist attraction, etc. The question is: do we have the greatness of heart to also give part of Is-Salini back to the birds? Text and photo Victor Falzon 401. IS-SALINI 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 303: DITCH THE COTTON WOOL - Preserve garden herbs - As your garden herbs start to grow, try preserving them in freezer trays so you can enjoy their flavours all year round. Just remember to leave enough for the wildlife to enjoy. The genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed or domesticated animals and of wild relatives is in decline as is the genetic diversity of other socio-economically and culturally valuable species. The genetic diversity which remains needs to be maintained and strategies need to be developed and implemented to minimize the current erosion of genetic diversity, particularly as it offers options for increasing the resilience of agricultural systems and for adaptation to changing conditions (including the escalating impacts of climate change). This target relates to the genetic diversity of three different categories of species; cultivated plants, wild relatives and other species. Cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals refer to species which have been selected, domesticated and reproduced by human societies for their produce and/or certain traits. Wild relatives are those species which are closely related to current breeds and varieties and that survive in the wild. They are potential sources of genetic material which could be used to develop new breeds or varieties. Other socio-economically as well as culturally valuable species include species which are not necessarily important for agriculture but which are particularly important for socio- economic or cultural reasons and are therefore crucial to human wellbeing. They include species used in traditional medicines, non-timber forest products and local land races. The overall purpose of this target is to maintain and safeguard genetic diversity though the development and application of strategies which allow for the different genetic characteristics of a species to continue to exist over time. This would include both in situ and ex situ actions. It also aims to minimize genetic erosion which occurs when genes are lost from a gene pool. Species with small populations (gene pools) or with isolated populations are particularly at risk for genetic erosion. As part of its national obligations Malta targets that by 2020, the status of crop and livestock genetic diversity in agricultural ecosystems and of wild relatives has been safeguarded and improved, where feasible. Aichi Biodiversity Targets – Genetic diversity maintained Euro Media Forum hosts short film festival EURO Media Forum, in collabora- tion with the European Commis- sion Representation in Malta are co-organising the second edition of My Europe Film Festival taking place on April 28 and 29 at Europe House, 254, St Paul Street, Valletta at 19:00. Europe is being watched from many different points of view, by many different kinds of people. They are all using the terms 'Eu- rope' respectively 'European' – but what do they mean? Many people have images, thoughts, ideals, cri- tiques and opinions on what the term 'Europe' means and what it is for them. The My Europe Film Fes- tival brings forth the themes that Europe is without borders. It is an opportunity for exchange, shar- ing and inspiring but also a chal- lenge for defending identities and cultures. My Europe describes a travelling experience, a cross-over through European dimensions, understandings and perspectives of people from all walks of life. My Europe Film Festival is a film contest that encourages people from all countries, be they artistes and filmmakers, to reflect and cre- ate their views and opinions on a vision of Europe. The film contest seeks to promote discussion about different views and visions on Eu- rope and to raise awareness for short films on a Europe-wide level. Through the promotion of short films, far beyond their country of origin, contacts can be made between professionals in the film promotion/festival and art house cinema sector whilst providing a platform to encourage short film dis- tribution from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. The film festival presents two different film theme pro- grammes on the two April dates. On April 28 the pro- gramme entitled Living in Europe tells stories about a meeting through time and cultures, on bringing togeth- er characters, traditions, ex- pectation, about authenticity and particularities. On April 29 the theme is Politics and Policies. These short films make a statement about bor- ders, conflicts and diploma- cy, decisions, consequences, confrontations and compro- mises. If the films screened are not explicitly about Europe, the European dimension comes out of the comparison of stories, conflicts and top- ics. This is the film festival where the audience is given the opportunity to vote on the winning film that will re- ceive the Audience Award at the award ceremony held in June 2014 in Berlin. Entrance is free on both festival nights. For bookings please email euro- mediaforum@gmail.com or text to 99454066, or log in http://www. facebook.com/Euro.Media.Forum Local Maltese filmmakers are en- couraged to submit their own short films for the next edition of My Eu- rope Film Festival. For more infor- mation email on euromediaforum@ gmail.com This event is being done in col- laboration with the European Com- mission Representation in Malta, Ewropa Kreattiva, The Malta Film Network and the Good Causes Fund The film festival presents two different film theme programmes on the two April dates