The Union for the Mediterranean, a highly influential organization bringing together EU and Mediterranean countries has given its endorsement to Malta’s LIFE-IP Water Project, which aims to improve water management in coastal and island communities. This endorsement establishes this Maltese project as a project of Mediterranean importance, and highlights the replication potential of the project’s results in other countries in the region.
Not only is this the first Maltese project to be given this label of recognition by the UfM, but it is also a key project which can support the development of the UfM’s Water Agenda for the Mediterranean being closely built on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus.
During a ceremony to present this recognition at the Head Offices of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona, Minister for Energy and Water Management Joe Mizzi met with H.E. Nasser Kamel, Secretary General for the Union of the Mediterranean. They discussed the importance of the LIFE-IP project, not only for Malta but for the Mediterranean region as a whole within the framework developed under the UfM’s Water Agenda.
Minister Mizzi expressed his satisfaction for the recognition that this project managed by the Energy and Water Agency has been given and noted that this continues to build on the excellent relationships between Malta and the Union for the Mediterranean. The Minister for Energy and Water Management explained that this endorsement from the UfM encourages the project to further contribute to ongoing regional cooperation, partnerships and synergies between Member States, and the establishment of the regional water agenda.
Secretary General Kamel spoke highly of the relationship that Malta enjoys with the Union for the Mediterranean, and whilst looking forward to further strengthening the cooperation between the two parties, recognised the importance of the role played by Malta in the region particularly in the water sector where it is always at the forefront in promoting the UfM’s water agenda for the Mediterranean.
Marisa Farrugia, who is the current Deputy Secretary General within the Union for the Mediterranean expressed her satisfaction for the work being done by Malta and the UfM in the water sector, highlighting that the LIFE IP River Basin Management plan is the first Maltese project being given the endorsement label by the UfM. Moreover, the Deputy Secretary General explains that Malta is the first country among all 43 member states to put forward a project in the sectors of water and water management.
Marisa Farrugia recognises the importance this project has as it is to serve as a model to other member states to be then replicated in them. Through the work and excellent relationship between the Union for the Mediterranean and Malta, more regional cooperation, synergies and partners will be encouraged.