Adoption Of Innovative, Transformative Solutions: BlueMissionMed (BMM) Support Programme Inaugurated
The BlueMissionMed Support Programme, aimed at addressing and eliminating pollution in our seas and waters, was officially launched during a national workshop titled “Mind the Gap – Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for Cleaner Mediterranean Waters”, organised by Xjenza Malta. This initiative was held in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), and the RHE-MEDiation project.
The event served as a platform for discussions around the environmental challenges facing the Mediterranean Sea and how these can be transformed into innovative opportunities for the country. The programme is aligned with Objective 2 of the EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters.
The Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, addressed participants, emphasising the importance of Malta remaining at the forefront of innovation in the region. “It is only through fostering innovation and collaboration that we can truly realise the vast potential of our Mediterranean resources, while ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for all,” said Mr Azzopardi Tanti.
The workshop was also addressed by Silvio Scerri, CEO of Xjenza Malta, who highlighted the importance of bringing together key stakeholders. “This workshop marks a crucial collaboration that unites Malta’s leading voices in the water sector to focus on one common challenge: reducing pollution in our waters,” said Mr Scerri.
William Spiteri Bailey, President of The Malta Chamber
William Spiteri Bailey, President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, stressed the need for businesses to maintain high environmental standards. “Proper waste disposal, whether industrial, commercial, or municipal, is not just a matter of compliance. It is a matter of environmental and public health. We must move away from a fragmented, compartmentalised approach. We need sector-specific criteria and strategies, because not all waste is the same, and not all businesses face the same realities,” he said.
The programme was officially launched by George Bugeja, Deputy Director of the Internationalisation Unit within Xjenza Malta. Throughout the day, several technical presentations were delivered, including one by Miraine Rizzo from ERA, who gave an overview of Malta’s current environmental status and key challenges.
A key highlight of the event was a demonstration of advanced technology for recovering chemical pollution using microalgae, developed by the University of Algarve together with the Portuguese company BLUEMATER. A clear example of the kind of cross-border innovation that BlueMissionMed aims to promote in the Mediterranean region.
The workshop concluded with a discussion led by Professor Alan Deidun, Malta’s Ocean Ambassador, who also served as rapporteur. These findings will contribute to Malta’s National Action Plan and support the broader goals of the European Union within the Mission Ocean framework.
For more information about the Support programme, contact: [email protected]
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