NEWS | Wednesday, 22 August 2007

New concept launched for recreational diving

The Institute for Environmental Studies (IES) has just launched a new concept in recreational diving – Eco Diving. The launch took place at the Coastline Hotel on Friday 3rd August, 2007. Dive schools, dive clubs, and other parties involved in commercial and non-commercial recreational diving were invited to the launch. The concept underlying Eco Diving was detailed by Mr Alfred E. Baldacchino (Project Director), Dr. Joseph A. Borg (Marine Biologist) and Ms Marika Pace Gauci (Co- ordinator), all of whom are affiliated to the IES. Participants were briefed on the need for a better understanding and awareness of the delicate marine ecosystem and important habitats and species it supports. Throughout the launch, emphasis was made on the large educational and conservation benefits that can be derived from eco dives, while the activity is also expected to be important for local ecotourism from the economic point of view.
Eco diving has already been adopted in many countries where it is considered as an important component of ecotourism, but this is the first time that the activity will be offered locally. A few days following the launch, the IES held a taster dive for interested
divers, which was well received by participants.
Eco diving adds a new dimension to local diving since it offers a unique and different experience to divers who will have the opportunity to discover, learn and become more acquainted with the marine life and habitats of the Mediterranean Sea. Since eco diving adds a new facet to recreational diving, the concept is of particular interest to commercial dive schools. Divers taking up the underwater eco tours will be accompanied by qualified marine biologists who will give a pre-dive talk on marine life and habitats that characterise some of the best dive sites of the Maltese Islands, each of
which has something different to offer in terms of marine environmental characteristics.
Each eco dive will be followed by a ‘question and answer’ session, during which participants will have the opportunity to forward their queries on species, habitats and other marine features encountered during the dive. Groups attending eco dives will comprise six to ten divers. The IES will initially hold eco dives twice per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), but additional sessions will be held on demand.
Further information on eco dives may be obtained from the IES Co-ordinator Ms Marika Pace Gauci, on [+356) 2143 1910, from 9 am – 4 pm on weekdays, or by addressing inquiries to [email protected]. Details of other activities and courses organised by the IES can be seen at the Institute’s website: www.ies.com.mt.