15-18

1st Place YRE – Photo 15-18yrs: Licensed to Kill

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Emma Louise Borg  for 15-18
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Photographic Competition & School Open Day, school media, website
filed under Photos

Pesticides are designed to kill insects, fungus, bacteria and other organisms that feed on crops. These pests create loads of nuisance to farmers as they are vectors of disease and destroy crops. Pesticides and genetically modified organisms are the means used by some farming companies to ensure that they will get the crop yield they demand every season; no matter how it hurts the environment or the consumers. Some pesticides work by poisoning the pollen and nectar of flowers and this can kill needed pollinators like butterflies and bees. Organic farming, in particular biological pest control, should be used instead of pesticides. For example, the larvae of lady bugs can be used to control aphids. Butterflies and bees are wonderful creatures that need protection. These tireless insects do a vital job pollinating flowers, shrubs, and fruit trees. Their presence surely adds a touch of beauty and delight to our countryside.



Read More

2nd Place YRE – Photo 15-18yrs: Seagulls

submitted by De la Salle College Senior School Vittoriosa : Sebastian Spiteri  for 15-18
dissemination(s): school magazine, school media
filed under Photos

Unlike us humans the seagulls are free and time does not pressure their life on earth; their minutes do not “hasten to their end ” . One may experience life clearer through a lens, as the most valuable moments may be captured and enjoyed forever. The photo was taken during the winter months of last year in Font Ghadir, Sliema. My objective was to capture the seagulls in their natural habitat without any urban structures obstructing the photograph. Personally I believe I succeeded in doing just that.



Read More

3rd Place YRE – Photo 15-18yrs: Rescued

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Sera Camilleri  for 15-18
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Photographic Competition & School Open Day, school media, website
filed under Photos

The discharge of untreated waste water is a potential health and environmental hazard. Sewage can lead to oxygen depletion, thus killing several marine creatures. Moreover, raw sewage outfalls can have a significant negative impact on coastal areas. These photographs show picturesque views of Wied Znuber- Hal-Far. As a young student, it is very difficult for me to imagine how in the past a sewage outfall was located in this area making this scenic spot unattractive to tourists and locals. One of the photographs shows two helpless dogs which were abandoned in this area in a stagnant pool of sewage. Fortunately, these were later rescued. Fortunately, in the past few years, a new sewage treatment plant was constructed at Ta’ Barkat- limits off Xghajra. Eventually, the outfall at Wied Znuber is no longer in operation. This was certainly a step in the right direction towards having cleaner seas.



Read More

1st Place Wrigley – Photo 15-18yrs: So Goatilicious !

submitted by St.Nicholas College Rabat GSS : Maria Bella Muscat, Yanika Micallef  for 15-18
dissemination(s): school magazine
filed under Photos

This is Wiġi tal-Beżuża tending his sheep and goats at Dingli . His trade has been passed from one generation to the next. Rearing livestock used to involve the whole family. Long ago, when the herd was bigger, women made traditional cheeslets from goats’ milk called ġbejniet and they also sheared their wool. In December 2011, the National Statistics Office stated that the population of sheep decreased by 4.0 % and that of goats by 3.4 % when compared to the previous year. While foraging, one of Wigi’s goats chewed on a discarded plastic bag. Our carelessness is affecting our environment. If we act more responsibly such realities could be avoided. Indeed, we should appreciate our cultural and environmental heritage more. The next time you are enjoying a picnic in the countryside please do dispose wisely of that plastic bag, the outcomes may be greater than you could imagine!



Read More

2nd Place Wrigley – Photo 15-18yrs: Shame, Shame, Shame!

submitted by St Michael School St Venera : Karl Buhagiar  for 15-18
dissemination(s): school magazine
filed under Photos

Dumping in 2013! Irresponsible, shameful and degrading! We cannot enjoy our beautiful islands without witnessing horrendous acts like the one above. Bulk refuse service, which is provided free of charge, is surely the civilised way to deal with undesired junk. Instead, a few mad hatters opt to pollute scenic landscapes away from public scrutiny. Education and effective policing are our best hope to reverse this persistent trend. I hope we restore our shores to their original state and let families and tourist alike enjoy our unrivalled coastline.



Read More

Enjoying Natural Scenery

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Donalise Aquilina  for 15-18
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Photographic Competition & School Open Day, school media, website
filed under Photos

Photographing natural scenery is certainly one of my favourite pastimes. These photos show picturesque views of popular bays located in the Maltese islands, such as Għajn Tuffieħa. People are relaxing at the seaside with their families while enjoying the sea breeze and the beautiful sunset. As youths, we hope that this natural beauty remains intact for future generations.



Read More

Safeguarding our Coastline and Marine Life

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Maria D'Amato  for 15-18
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Photographic Competition & School Open Day, school media, website
filed under Photos

These photographs were taken in the South of Malta, where one finds picturesque bays excellent for swimming. On the sandy beaches, one finds seaweed which is washed to shore through winds and sea currents. Unfortunately, amounts of seaweed at times accumulate on the beach. Moreover, the regular use of small boats in these areas is adversely affecting this natural marine environment. Some boat operators may deliberately or accidentally discharge oil, fuel or cleaning agents into the sea putting at risk the life of several marine animals. Given this scenario, action must urgently be taken to protect the coastline and marine life through regular beach cleaning and law enforcement.



Read More

The Year 2463

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Joslyn Falzon  for 15-18
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Open Day, school media
filed under Photos

Just imagine for a moment, the year 2463. The plastic bottles shown in this photograph will finally cease to exist. Research shows that plastic material takes at least 450 years to decompose into the sea. This waste is certainly a threat to sea birds and several marine animals as some of them become entangled in it and die. Other creatures, in particular endangered sea turtles, mistake plastic bags for jelly fish. The ingestion of plastic material by these animals is often fatal as it blocks their intestines making them starve to death. Online research reveals that during an autopsy performed on a dead turtle scientists discovered 1,000 pieces of plastic in its stomach!! Public awareness should be increased urging people to reduce, re-use and recycle plastic waste. More litter and recycling bins should be placed on the beaches and people should be responsible and make proper use of them.



Read More

Name and Shame

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Joslyn Falzon  for 15-18
dissemination(s): newspaper, other, Participation in School Open Day, school media
filed under Photos

These pictures were taken in the vicinity of the Marsa abattoir. The area is full of trash, used tyres and construction material waste. It’s a shame that in 2013 still exist irresponsible individuals who are illegally dumping waste material posing a threat to our health. Such littering and careless disposal of food items and refuse is certainly a main cause of rodent infestation. This dilapidated area should immediately be cleaned and embellished by the local authorities. Law enforcement should be strengthened and hefty fines should be imposed to deter littering. CCTV surveillance cameras should be installed to ensure that no further littering is made. People should be encouraged to use the bulky refuse service which is provided free of charge by most local councils. This service should be further promoted through the media, particularly television and social networks. As a young reporter, I urge the authorities to take immediate action!



Read More

Littering in my Locality

submitted by Gzira St.Monica School : Rebecca Bonnici  for 15-18
dissemination(s): school magazine, school media
filed under Photos

I took this picture a few weeks ago. This litter was lying on the pavement near our garage and was left there for quite some time. Apart from being an eyesore to the people passing by, it is also very unhygienic. This litter could have been seen by tourists passing by, suggesting that the Maltese people couldn’t care less about the environment around them, which is not true. This littering could have easily been avoided as in my locality, very nearby, we have waste separation bins and the local council provides a bulky refuse pickup service.



Read More