Malta’s water heritage as a pillar of sustainability highlighted at EWA’s National Water Conference 2026

“Malta’s water heritage reflects centuries of adaptation, innovation, and respect for a scarce resource. Safeguarding this legacy and learning from it remains essential as we strengthen our national water strategy and work to ensure a resilient and sustainable water system for future generations,” Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli said during the third edition of the National Water Conference. The minister continued to highlight the importance of recognising water heritage not only as a cultural asset but also as a strategic pillar supporting the Maltese Islands’ ongoing efforts towards a more sustainable, community-focused future. The National Water Conference brought together policymakers, academics, stakeholders, and professionals from across the water sector to focus on the topic of water heritage in Malta. The conference, organised by the Energy and Water Agency (EWA), explored how historical structures and cultural practices related to water have contributed to shaping Malta’s identity and continue to inform our national policies and long-term vision for sustainability. Chief Executive Officer of EWA, Ing. Sandro Lauri, spoke about the personal and national value of Malta’s water history, emphasising how the country’s long-standing relationship with water has influenced everyday life, community practices, and national resilience. He noted that understanding this legacy helps place today’s water challenges into context and reinforces the importance of responsible and sustainable water management. “Water has always shaped who we are as a nation. Long before modern technology, communities found ways to protect this resource. This heritage reminds us that sustainability is not new, and it continues to inspire and guide how we manage our water resources today,” Ing. Lauri said. The conference brought to light Malta’s tangible water heritage through expert presentations on groundwater springs, historic aqueducts, and industrial water infrastructure, highlighting the ingenuity and technical expertise that enabled past societies to effectively manage water scarcity and limited resources. Intangible water heritage was also addressed through dedicated presentations on the occurrence of legends, placenames, and proverbs associated with water use in Malta, underscoring water’s enduring influence on Maltese identity, cultural traditions, and collective memory. Through this conference, EWA reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable management of Malta’s water resources, providing a platform for collaboration, discussion, and the exchange of knowledge. The event also reflected the Agency’s ongoing work to link water heritage with environmental protection and long-term planning, supporting a resilient and sustainable water future for the Maltese Islands.