Water Conservation: A Collective Responsibility

Water conservation stands as a shared responsibility among all citizens, underscoring the need for collective efforts to safeguard this vital natural resource.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Dr. Miriam Dalli, emphasized the significance of collective action in the rollout of Malta's third River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) at the inaugural National Water Conference.

Hosted by the Energy and Water Agency in collaboration with the Environment and Resources Authority, the conference facilitated discussions on water management in Malta, coinciding with the nearing conclusion of the ongoing public consultation on the third RBMP.

Minister Dalli highlighted that this plan builds upon recent progress, aiming to propel water management and conservation in Malta towards a sustainable future. "Beyond mere drafting, the Government is committed to ensuring its implementation. Effective water conservation actions from all stakeholders are pivotal in our vision for a sustainable future."

Energy and Water Agency CEO, Manuel Sapiano, underscored the significance of the Water Energy Food Ecosystems Nexus in river basin management planning. "Incorporating this nexus into water policy ensures the development of comprehensive implementation frameworks with strong ties to associated sectors, thereby reinforcing sustainable objectives."

Discussions at the conference delved into proposed actions outlined in the RBMP, such as the expansion of New Water production and distribution networks to meet agricultural sector demands sustainably, as elucidated by Water Services Corporation CEO, Karl Cilia.

Noteworthy actions outlined in the RBMP include significant reforms in groundwater abstraction regulations, aimed at safeguarding groundwater as a reliable freshwater source for the future, presented for public consultation in a white paper last November.

Moreover, the conference deliberated on monitoring facilities to enhance understanding and prediction of groundwater quality. This includes the commissioning of a new hydrological monitoring framework, providing early warning capabilities regarding the impacts of climate change.

For further insights into the RBMP and ongoing public consultation, visit here.