People and Projects Solving Freshwater Restoration Challenges

EcoAdvance European Project

Showcase category ➤ DidIt

MALTA

Prof Sandro Lanfranco

Department of Biology, University of Malta

Scientists & Researchers
My Projects
  • Key project facts

    Development of a monitoring tool for temporary freshwater pools.

  • What work challenges did you face and what approach did you take to solve them?

    Concerns to show quick results; have to give scientific facts to assure sustainability rather than something that just looks good.

  • What lessons learned are transferable to other places/projects?

    Coordinate the reality of current climate of the setting with expectations of funders.

  • What is your biggest barrier and what are you trying to do about it?
    The biggest barrier is the lack of understanding by the general community. I work to educate the next generation of environmental planners to look at the facts from a scientific perspective and share their knowledge.
My Focus and Approach
  • Lessons Learnt - Some recommendations for others?
    1. What’s most important:

      Understanding the system.

    2. Do this, not that: 

      Use empirical data to drive your strategies.

    3. Always start by:

      Observing, for as long as possible.

    4. What to do when things get difficult…:

      Try something else.

My Journey
  • My journey:

    A knowledge gap was available.

  • My Education:

    • PhD in freshwater ecology. Bachelor and Master dissertations on the freshwater ecology.

  • The Big Change:

    More awareness of a priority habitat.

  • Favourite part of the work I do:

    All of it.

Interview

Key Topics:

Key Topics

These relate to specific topics (e.g. technical solutions; restoration activities etc.) addressed within the showcase materials.

  • Climate realism in restoration
  • Educating the next generation
Prone2Success Factors Demonstrated:

Prone2Success Factors Demonstrated

These are the Prone2Success checklist factors which are highlighted within this showcase. More information on the Prone2Success checklist can be found here.

  • Measurable goals to improve ecological status
  • Communicate/engage with stakeholders from the outset
  • Engage with the local community from the outset
  • Restoration works (design) are self-sustaining 
  • Include long term monitoring
  • Include adaptive management approaches (combined with monitoring)
  • Ensure stakeholder understanding / education of restoration goals & benefits
NRL Restoration Categories:

NRL Restoration Categories

These are the restoration categories (listed under Annex VII of the European Nature Restoration Law (NRL) which are relevant to this showcase.

  • [2] Improve hydrological conditions
  • [8] Restore natural sedimentation
Resources
Articles

Topographic Complexity Is a Principal Driver of Plant Endemism in Mediterranean Islands by Leanne Camilleri, Katya Debono, Francesca Grech, Andrea Francesca Bellia, Gyllain Pace and Sandro Lanfranco -Department of Biology, University of Malta, MSD2080 Msida, Malta, Plants 2024, 13(4), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13040546 

Influence of morphometric and geographic factors on plant community composition of temporary freshwater rockpools in the Maltese Islands, S Lanfranco, AF Bellia, P Cuschieri - Inland Waters, 2020

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