The importance of local biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental education through creative expression was highlighted during an international initiative organised as part of the Global Network of Water Museums (WAMU-NET).
The event, which saw the participation of Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli and the Energy and Water Agency (EWA), showcased how art can be a powerful tool to connect people with environmental themes.
“Educating children on sustainability is one of the most impactful investments we can make for the future. By introducing these concepts through creative and engaging activities, we empower students to explore vital themes like biodiversity and water conservation in ways that resonate deeply with them. These initiatives educate and inspire young people to become future ambassadors for sustainability,” Minister Miriam Dalli stated.
Central to the event was an exhibition featuring 34 artworks created by students, inspired by their educational experiences at the Chadwick Lakes Trail. Under the guidance of renowned local artist Joanne Mizzi, the students used visual art to express their understanding of local biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems. This unique blend of artistic creativity and environmental education provided the students with a deeper connection to vital ecological themes and underscored the value of experiential learning.
The event also brought international recognition to the young participants, as four of their artworks were selected for inclusion in the AQUAPLAY section of the WAMU-NET website. This global digital platform, supported by UNESCO, aims to raise awareness about water heritage, pollution, and sustainability by engaging children worldwide. By bridging local efforts with global initiatives, this milestone shall amplify the significance of the students’ contributions and demonstrates Malta’s active role in fostering environmental education.
The Għajn Centre, known for its leadership in education for sustainability, played a pivotal role in hosting the event. Amanda Zahra, Professional Officer at the Energy and Water Agency, highlighted the Centre’s ongoing efforts. “The Għajn Centre welcomes students every day to learn about responsible water management and sustainability. While we work tirelessly to promote these values, events like this give us the opportunity to showcase our initiatives on an international stage. It is a proud moment for us and reflects our commitment to educating future generations,” she said.
The exhibition and its accompanying activities reaffirmed the ecological significance of Chadwick Lakes, a critical biodiversity hotspot in Malta, and showcased the Għajn Centre’s alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
