OpWall is an organisation which holds a series of biological and conservation management research programmes that operate in remote locations across the world.
On Monday 8th April Operation Wallacea held an awards ceremony to congratulate and honour youths who have already participated or will be participating in OpWall’s expeditions. Operation Wallacea is a fantastic opportunity which is designed for students and youths interested in conservation and biodiversity.
It is too late for us to have noticed that resources are not unlimited and that we are harming species that we should be responsible for.
Dr Jose Herrera, Environment Minister
In his speech Dr Herrera expressed his awe regarding the success of OpWall of which the participants are doubling with each year. Projects like OpWall are vital especially nowadays, considering the increasing importance to preserve biodiversity, he continued. “Nowadays humankind is aware and has the technology and knowhow to tackle these issues,” Dr Herrera said.
It is thanks to organisations like OpWall that the globe is gradually taking the necessary action so that generations to come will live in a better world than the one we have inherited today.
Dr Herrera
During his speech, Ocean Ambassador for Malta and the United Nations Prof Alan Deidun explained how although Malta has a big marine area, its biodiversity is currently under-attack.
He praised OpWall for the opportunities it provides and encouraged youths not to miss out on chances like these. He continued, explaining how OpWall ticks all the right boxes; it enables youths to go beyond their perimeters and empowers them greatly. Deidun concluded by stating how one can achieve anything with hard work, dedication and going that extra mile.
We need young people to preserve Malta’s marine heritage and biodiversity
Prof Deidun
OpWall Malta Manager Nathan Adams expressed how young scientists globally are given the chance to work with professional scientists and help in making a difference. “Malta has the highest percentage of students and teachers that show effort and determination in this sector,” Adams proudly stated. Director of Sales and Marketing UK for OpWall Pippa Tozer explained OpWall’s aim in bringing this opportunity to the classroom and exposing it to those interested by translating a difficult topic to be more accessible.
Having partaken in OpWall, Lorraine De Brincat from Sir MA. Refalo Sixth Form in Gozo and Elaine Bajada from San Andrea praised their respective experiences. De Brincat praised OpWall for being both a life changing experience and an opportunity to help the environment. Bajada said that everyone deserves this learning experience because Malta’s small geographical scale limits us from the vast variety of life out there.
Bajada concluded by stressing how important it is that we preserve our environment.
Students should be very proud of having these opportunities that elder generations would never have dreamed of
Arnold Sciberras, Head of Malta Herpetological Society
Adams exclusively told The Third Eye of his aspirations to fund more expeditions for students that cannot always afford to partake in OpWall and ultimately miss out on these opportunities.