Nature-Based Tourism in Malta

When you first hear of nature-based tourism in Malta, your reaction would probably be one of cynicism.

Yet, even in tiny, over-developed and over-populated Malta, we still have natural attractions which we tend to forget about. The less we think they exist, the less we seek them, promulgate them and nurture them.

Is it time for a rethink? Is it time to re-assess what we have and what we can do with our natural resources–even if small and declining–to offer a better deal to travellers as well as to locals?

The less you have of a resource the more you prize it. Or at least that would appear to be the logic.

Nature-themed travel is alive and growing the world over, even Malta is having a spotlight shone on it. After all, the essence of nature-based tourism is the natural attractiveness of an area. It involves outdoor activities like walking, diving, stargazing, fishing, visiting nature parks, kayaking, hiking, camping and cycling.

The CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) in the Netherlands defines nature tourism as follows:

“Nature tourism, also called nature-based tourism, is tourism based on the natural attractions of an area. It consists of responsible travel to experience natural areas and their landscape, flora and fauna, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of locals.”

At a time when we all live in urban areas which are congested and busy, anything which gives us locals and travellers an alternative to such living is seen as conducive to a better understanding of the whole local experience.

A group of people led by Dr Mario Balzan are taking this trend very seriously. Balzan spearheads the NGO ReNature which is funded by Horizon 2020, an EU initiative. He is an applied ecologist with a multidisciplinary background in environmental sciences. Through his work, initiatives, and team, he seeks to improve our understanding of human impacts on biodiversity and the contributions of biodiversity and ecosystem services to human wellbeing.

Balzan isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel or solve all our problems. His initiative is simple and straightforward: “Our idea of nature-based tourism focuses on valorising our natural capital and ensuring that this is enhanced to support social and economic development.”

“Nature-positive is a global and societal goal which requires actions by individual entities, communities and countries,” says Balzan.

The dilemma about travel is that the more we travel the more we learn about the world around us; and travel is a huge sustainer of all we have and wish to conserve. Yet the more we travel the more impact we have on this globe. Even by encouraging more tourists to support “nature-based tourism” we could be speeding up the destruction of that same nature. Balzan agrees about this dilemma to a certain degree but says “nature-based tourism is a global phenomenon that already exists today.”

Balzan continues: “Many people travel to experience nature. Many tourists visit Malta for its sea and diving. Many cross to Gozo for a quieter holiday, spending much time in the countryside, choosing this over a busier holiday in other more urbanised localities.”

Balzan believes that, if well-managed, this trend can spur and foster environmental protection and conservation. “Nature-based tourism could lead to further investment in nature, which benefits the communities making that investment, for example by offering green jobs, providing better quality green and blue spaces for the community, and providing more awareness of the nature around us.”

If treated and defined properly, nature-based tourism is not just a niche segment of travel and it should not be seen as some fad. It’s part of a larger touristic product that is evolving, as it evolves one can choose to support this and invest in improving its quality. This approach is also in line with the green strategies that extend beyond the environmental sector and which are increasingly being pushed forward at global and regional scales.

Balzan says that “There are many gaps in existing practices, but I am convinced that driven by policies, economic instruments, and the public, and, in the case of private organisations, customers’ preferences, the right steps can be taken to foster the required transformation. We are increasingly aware that imminent action is needed now to secure a liveable future for us all. Will society respond in time? As a small and developed European country, can Malta lead the way in achieving this transformation?”

Wise words from an innovator and a voice the authorities should be listening to more than ever. It will help the touristic offering of our country, give more space and breathing areas to us all, and help the economy. All while giving our world a better chance to remain enjoyable and habitable.