An important step forward in flood-risk management was marked at the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EWA, the Civil Protection Department, and the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works. Signed as part of the LocAll4Flood Interreg Project, the agreement focuses on the Birkirkara–Msida and Burmarrad catchments and strengthens collaboration between the entities involved.
The MoU sets out a shared commitment to work together on three main priorities. The first is raising public awareness by helping people better understand flood risks, their causes and impacts, and the importance of being prepared and adapting to changing conditions.
The second priority is improving coordination. By sharing information and working more closely together, the partners aim to strengthen preparedness and response before, during, and after flood events, leading to more effective flood-risk management.
The third focuses on promoting Nature-Based Solutions, encouraging their use whenever they are practical and appropriate as part of efforts to reduce flood risks and adapt to climate change.
The agreement is not just a formal document as it is there to maintain an ongoing space for cooperation and dialogue. The signatory parties have committed to meeting at least every six months to review progress, exchange experiences, and coordinate future actions.
Recognising that effective flood-risk management requires broad participation, the agreement also provides for the involvement of a wider range of stakeholders beyond the signatory entities. Representatives from civil society, academia, the private sector, and public administration will be invited to contribute to future discussions and coordination initiatives arising from this collaboration.
By formalising this partnership, EWA and its partners are taking another step towards building more resilient communities and helping Malta respond to the growing challenges of climate change through collaboration and shared responsibility.
