13TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS WATER TABLE

The 13th meeting of the National Stakeholders Water Table was recently held at the Għajn Water Conservation Centre, bringing together key representatives from various sectors to discuss ongoing and upcoming water management initiatives in Malta. This meeting forms part of the LIFE 16 IPE MT 000008 project, which supports the optimisation of the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) in the Malta River Basin District.

Presentations covered a diverse range of topics including pilot projects on Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, strategies to enhance enforcement and sustainability of industrial discharges, and updates on smart utilities initiatives. The Water Services Corporation shared insights into the use of highly polished reclaimed water in Malta, while the Energy and Water Agency discussed investments in Chadwick Lakes for tourism and detailed progress in implementing the current RBMP, alongside plans for the development of Malta’s 4th RBMP.

This meeting underscores the collaborative effort among government ministries, environmental agencies, and stakeholders to ensure Malta’s water resources are managed effectively and sustainably. The RBMP process, mandated by the EU Water Framework Directive, aims to achieve good ecological status of Malta’s inland, coastal, and groundwater bodies through integrated planning and action.

The LIFE project, co-financed by the EU LIFE Programme, supports a wide range of actions including sustainable water use, protection of water-dependent ecosystems, enhanced monitoring, and improved governance to address key water management challenges. Stakeholder consultation remains a fundamental element of this process, ensuring that plans are realistic, accepted, and effective in safeguarding Malta’s water resources for present and future generations.

Further opportunities for public consultation on the forthcoming 4th RBMP will be conducted through scheduled phases, inviting input to tackle significant water management issues and guide Malta’s water management strategy forward.