The LIFE-IP RBMP-MALTA Project will assist the implementation of the 2nd RBMP (River Basin Management Plan) through the establishment of an integrated framework for the optimised management of all water resources in the Maltese islands.
The project is divided into four phases each spanning two years. The first phase involves nine preparatory actions aimed at improving the knowledge base on water management in the Maltese islands. The second, third and final phase of the project involves the implementation of 18 concrete actions.
The actions to be funded under the Integrated Project include actions aimed at increasing awareness, such as a water educational campaign, the development of a national water eco-label scheme and the development of a water consumption app.
The project also proposes actions demonstrating the application of sustainable urban drainage systems, managed aquifer recharge and valley management schemes aimed at facilitating future investment in these sectors. Other actions such as the development of groundwater numerical models, the monitoring of emerging contaminants of concern and the development of hydrographic models aim to increase the level of knowledge on hydrological systems and hence reduce uncertainties. Additionally, the project will promote increased efficiency in the national water cycle through supporting water reuse, the development of sustainable use conditions for a diverse range of water resources (rainwater and groundwater) and optimising the management and protection of surface and coastal water bodies. Finally, actions establishing a multi-stakeholder platform and the establishing of improved water use monitoring tools aim to support the optimisation of Malta’s water governance framework.
The actions of the project will, amongst others, seek to reach at least 50,000 households and support them to optimise their water use efficiency, develop 5 demonstration sites highlighting innovative water management technologies, support 85 water conservation measures or programmes in schools, restore 230,000m2 of coastal wetlands and 15,000m2 of valley systems.
The project will develop a blueprint for the optimisation of water management in islands and coastal regions, thereby enabling its replication in other regions facing similar challenges.