Nature Trust Malta said that it welcomes the Eco Dive Initiative by the Institute for Environmental Studies. Such concepts, not only enhances the tourism products for the Maltese Islands but promotes environmental awareness among those visiting the Islands as diving tourists, the NGO said.

NTM added that it considers the venture as a positive step, where through partnership with diving clubs, schools and NGOs, the value of the marine ecology around the Maltese Islands can be appreciated more fully.

Over the years, our marine ecology has suffered as much as the terrestrial ecology through various human activities such as over fishing, dumping, and pollution etc. Many visiting tourists report that despite very clear waters, our seas are very poor in marine life. This statement is often made simply because they do not see plenty of fish. In reality they could be missing out on various other marine creatures which are found on the sea bed or around the underwater geological features.

Only through such Eco Dives provided by the IES, can these creatures be fully appreciated, making the dive not simply an enjoyable experience but an educational one as well.

Nature Trust said it wishes every success to the Institute for Environmental Studies. The NGO is also planning to try and persuade diving clubs and schools operating in the Dwejra Heritage Park marine protected area to join the IES initiative, and start promoting the dives at Dwejra with the ecological activity.

Our seas also need protection and only through such awareness activities can this be achieved