Learning from Malta: How Schools Can Lead Ecosystem Restoration
LEAF Malta was recently featured in The Sunday Times of Malta through an opinion piece written by Johann Gatt, National Coordinator of the Learning about Ecosystems and Forest (LEAF) programme in Malta. The article highlights the growing importance of outdoor learning, environmental stewardship and student-led sustainability initiatives.
Johann highlights how schools can play a central role in supporting Malta’s future greening efforts by cultivating indigenous trees locally through educational programmes such as LEAF, Eco Schools and YRE, implemented by Nature Trust – FEE Malta.
At the heart of the article is a vision that strongly reflects the LEAF methodology, where nature connection is central to learning and action. The initiative is a powerful example of how the LEAF Function and Flourish step can be implemented at a national scale to engage settings, learners and the wider community in active Ecosystem Restoration Education (ERE) while fostering long-term environmental stewardship.
It also reflects on the educational value of reconnecting children with nature while addressing national environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, invasive species and the increasing demand for sustainable afforestation projects.
A key proposal presented in the article is the “One Greenhouse Per School”, which encourages schools to become active contributors to ecological restoration by giving students meaningful hands-on learning experiences.
““When children grow native trees, they are not simply planting for the future — they are developing responsibility, resilience and a deeper connection with the natural world around them,” ”
