As part of its project on marine plastic pollution Island Guardians – For a Plastic Free Med, Esplora Interactive Science Centre has published two storybooks for children aged 3+. The project, funded by the Remedies Consortium in the framework of the EU Mission: Restore Our Ocean and Waters, ran from March until October 2024 and married educational resources with hands-on clean-ups organised in conjunction with the NGO Zibel. The plastic waste gathered during the clean-ups was turned into a symbolic artistic installation by Joseph Barbara and is currently exhibited at Esplora.
The children’s books were written by Esplora’s content development team and published by BDL Publishers. Beautifully illustrated by Matt Stroud, they are available in Maltese and English.
Marine plastic pollution is considered a huge threat due to the multiple ways in which it damages marine ecosystems, primarily by harming wildlife, disrupting food chains and degrading habitats. It also poses a risk to human health.
In line with Esplora’s “catch them young” philosophy, the stories aim to inspire the youngest members of our communities to be plastic conscious and grow to be responsible consumers intent on protecting their natural heritage.
The books were used for the first time in a storytelling activity at Esplora in October 2024 and will shortly be available in public libraries around Malta and Gozo.
For more information on the books and the Island Guardians project, kindly visit www.islandguardians.org or contact [email protected]
