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Encyclopedia

Topics and subtopics

  • Physical Geography
    • Karst topography
    • Sinkholes
    • Escarpment
    • Sediment hydrology
  • Climate & Hydrology
    • Rainfall patterns
    • Aquifers
    • Desalination
    • Seasonal variability
  • Terrestrial Habitats
    • Garigue
    • Maquis
    • Steppe
    • Wetlands
    • Dunes
    • Forest remnants
  • Biodiversity
    • Endemic and migratory flora & fauna
    • Marine life
    • Species threats
  • Conservation
    • Protected areas
    • Key legislation
    • Authorities
    • Marine & land reserves
  • Environmental Issues
    • Soil
    • Waste
    • Urban sprawl
    • Agriculture
    • Water
    • Climate resilience
  • Community Action
    • NGO activities
    • Education
    • Clean‑ups
    • Citizen engagement

Types of Environments

  • Marine Environment – Oceans, seas, and saltwater habitats.
  • Terrestrial Environment – Land-based habitats such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountains.
  • Aerial (or Atmospheric) Environment – Air and the spaces above the surface of the earth where birds, insects, and aircraft operate.
  • Freshwater Environment – Rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and wetlands with non-saline water.
  • Estuarine Environment – Where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, such as estuaries and tidal zones.
  • Urban Environment – Cities and towns with human-made structures and high population densities.
  • Subterranean Environment – Underground habitats like caves, mines, and burrows.
  • Hill Environment – Uplands of moderate elevation, characterized by rolling terrain and gentle slopes.
  • Coastal Environment – Areas where land meets the sea, including beaches, cliffs, and tidal zones.
  • Islet or Island Environment – Isolated landmasses surrounded by water, often with unique ecosystems and species adaptations.

Marine Protected Areas

  • Protected Area around Comino and Blue Lagoon — Marine protected zone popular for diving and snorkeling.
  • Xrobb l-Għaġin Coastal Protected Area — Focus on marine conservation and habitats.

Parks & Nature Reserves

  • Buskett Gardens (Malta) — One of the few woodland areas on Malta, rich in biodiversity.
  • Għadira Nature Reserve (Mellieħa, Malta) — Important wetland area and bird sanctuary.
  • Is-Simar Nature Reserve (Gozo) — Coastal wetland with unique flora and fauna.
  • Dingli Cliffs Nature Reserve (Malta) — Stunning coastal cliffs with protected habitats.
  • Salina Nature Reserve (Malta) — Salt pans and wetland supporting migratory birds.
  • Majjistral Nature and History Park (Northwest Malta) — Largest protected area with diverse habitats and archaeological remains.
  • Il-Maqluba Nature Reserve (Malta) — A natural sinkhole with rare vegetation.
  • Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs (Gozo) — Important geological and ecological site.

Archaeological Sites

  • Ħaġar Qim Temples (Malta) — Megalithic temples dating back to circa 3600–3200 BC.
  • Mnajdra Temples (Malta) — Nearby Ħaġar Qim, notable for their astronomical alignments.
  • Tarxien Temples (Malta) — Complex of prehistoric temples with intricate carvings.
  • Ggantija Temples (Gozo) — Among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, UNESCO World Heritage.
  • Skorba Temples (Malta) — Early neolithic temple site.
  • Mdina — The old fortified city, rich with medieval architecture and archaeological remains.
  • Dingli Cliffs Prehistoric Site — Archaeological evidence of early human activity.
  • Cart Ruts — Mysterious parallel tracks found in multiple locations across Malta and Gozo, of uncertain origin.