The Island Guardians project, spearheaded by Esplora Interactive Science Centre and funded by the REMEDIES project under the EU Mission (Open Call 1): Restore Our Ocean and Waters, is an innovative initiative that aims to inspire young people to tackle marine plastic pollution. Through educational resources, clean-up events, and creative activities, the project empowers the next generation to become protectors of our fragile marine ecosystems. Featuring videos, resource packs, storybooks, an interactive app, and an art project, Island Guardians combines education with action, making environmental stewardship accessible and engaging for young audiences.
In addition to educational tools, the project has organised hands-on beach clean-ups, highlighting its commitment to tangible environmental change. Here’s a closer look at the key elements of the Island Guardians project:
Educational Videos
The Island Guardians project has produced a series of videos showcasing Local Heroes who are leading the fight against marine plastic pollution. These videos provide inspiring real-life stories of individuals making a difference in their communities.
- Local Heroes: Martina Cutajar from the Ċirkewwa Marine Park
In the first video, meet Martina Cutajar, site manager of the Ċirkewwa Marine Park and member of Nature Trust FEE Malta. Martina shares her role in protecting Malta’s marine environments from plastic pollution.
Watch here: Local Heroes: Martina Cutajar - Local Heroes: Prof. Alan Deidun and Dr. Adam Gauci on Microplastics Research
The second video features Professor Alan Deidun and Dr. Adam Gauci from the Oceanography Malta Research Group at the University of Malta. They discuss their research on microplastics and introduce the Andromeda Microplastics App, which allows users to analyse microplastic samples.
Watch here: Local Heroes: Alan Deidun and Adam Gauci - Local Heroes: Raniero Borg and the Fight to Clean Maltese Beaches
The third video follows Raniero Borg, a clean-up pioneer and experienced diver, as he tackles plastic pollution on Maltese beaches and in the surrounding seabed. Raniero regularly organises large-scale clean-ups, making a visible impact on local marine ecosystems.
Watch here: Local Heroes: Raniero Borg - Local Heroes: Andrew Schembri from Żibel
In the fourth video we meet Andrew Schembri from the NGO Żibel, which specialises in marine protection and conservation. The NGO, whose name in Maltese literally means garbage, is known for its professional land and seabed clean-ups. It is also responsible for the introduction of sea bins in Maltese bays. - Local Heroes: Andrew Schembri from Żibel
The fifth video is about the much-loved conservation NGO Sharklab. Science Officer Charlie Matthews tells us all about why it is important to protect sharks and other elasmobranchs from the many threats they are facing, including that of plastic ingestion.
Educational Resource Packs
Esplora has developed two comprehensive educational resource packs as part of the Island Guardians project. These packs are filled with fun, interactive activities aimed at teaching children (ages 6-12) and teenagers (ages 13-18) about the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. The resource packs feature a variety of games, crafts, and learning materials designed to inspire young people to become guardians of the sea.
Whether it’s through creating marine-themed art or participating in interactive games, these activities foster environmental awareness in a hands-on, engaging way. Teachers and parents can easily download the packs to integrate marine conservation into their learning environments.
Explore the resource packs here: Island Guardians Educational Packs
Storybooks
The Island Guardians Storybooks provide an imaginative and educational way for young readers to explore the issue of plastic pollution. These beautifully illustrated books follow the adventures of characters who take on the role of protecting the marine environment, making environmental education both relatable and exciting for children.
Each storybook is crafted to inspire empathy and a sense of responsibility, helping young readers understand how their actions can make a difference in preserving our oceans. The stories are perfect for schools, libraries, or bedtime reading.
Discover the storybooks here: Island Guardians Storybooks
Recycled Art Exhibition
As part of the Island Guardians project, plastic waste collected during beach clean-ups will be transformed into a stunning art installation. Local artist Joseph Barbara is leading this creative effort, turning pollution into powerful visual statements. The installation will be exhibited at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara starting in September. This initiative not only showcases the potential of recycling but also raises awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution. By engaging young people in the artistic process, the exhibition inspires creativity and promotes the message that waste can be repurposed into something meaningful.
Read more about Joseph Barbara here: Joseph Barbara.
Explore the art exhibition here: Recycled Art Exhibition
Beach Clean-Ups: Making a Tangible Impact
Beyond educational resources, Island Guardians has taken direct action through local beach clean-ups. In July 2024, the team, in conjunction with Żibel, organised a clean-up at Bugibba Bay, removing half a tonne of waste from the beach and surrounding areas. Volunteers collected plastic debris, making the area safer for marine life and visitors alike. The event showcased the power of community involvement in tackling environmental issues.
In another event, the Island Guardians team hosted a clean-up titled “Welcome to Paradise”, where volunteers worked to restore the pristine beauty of Paradise Bay. These efforts not only reduced plastic pollution but also served as an inspiration for others to take responsibility for protecting their local environments.
Read more about the clean-ups here: Bugibba Bay Clean-Up and Welcome to Paradise Clean-Up
Digital Repository
The project website, where all the above resources can be found, also features a map bringing together information about beach clean-ups and other events related to marine plastic pollution. Esplora will continue updating this map beyond the project lifetime, in the hope that this page becomes a one-stop shop for anyone interested in organising a beach clean-up or volunteering at one.
Concluding Event
The project’s concluding event will take place on 10th October at Esplora. Following introductory speeches by the Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Youth and Sports Mr Keith Azzopardi Tanti, the Remedies Consortium representative Dr Vesna Kuralt and the Chairman of Esplora Dr Tonio Portughese, school children will be invited to discover the project resources, in the form of a storytelling activity and workshops based on the resource packs. The art installation by Joseph Barbara will also be unveiled at this event.
