Request 2.11 ALF IDRC

1st article (environment)
Sources:
⁃ https://savingourblue.gov.mt

Malta’s « Saving Our Blue » Campaign: Protecting Our Oceans from Plastic Pollution
Malta's Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise is committed to sustainable, climate-neutral development and an improved quality of life. By uniting key sectors of society and the economy, the Ministry promotes eco-friendly practices across various facets of life. This commitment is realized through numerous projects and initiatives aligned with long-term national and European goals, engaging children, families, workers, businesses, government entities, NGOs, and other organizations in the pursuit of sustainable development.

This commitment is reflected in the "Saving Our Blue" campaign.

In response to the disastrous consequences of litter, in particular the damage caused by plastic waste to marine life, coastal economies and even the human food chain, the "Saving Our Blue" campaign was launched with a three-pronged approach:
* Citizen engagement: The campaign aims to educate and involve citizens, making them aware of the dangers of plastic pollution and encouraging them to adopt responsible habits.
* Collaboration: Recognising the need for collective action, the government is working with NGOs and the private sector, encouraging partnerships to combat plastic pollution.
* National Movement: The campaign encourages a unified call to action, creating a national movement to drive change and protect our oceans.
The campaign coincides with the local ban on the sale of single-use plastics implemented in January 2022, following the ban on imports in January 2021. The Maltese "Saving Our Blue" campaign is an essential step in safeguarding the marine environment for future generations.

The fifth edition of the "Saving Our Blue" environmental campaign, which took place last June, continuing its mission to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of marine litter, particularly single-use plastics, on oceans. The campaign employs innovative tools like Virtual Reality experiences and online games to engage a wide audience, including younger generations and various stakeholders. Europe's plastic waste threat to marine environments is underscored, while Malta's commitment to sustainability, demonstrated by its ban on single-use plastics. The campaign leverages gaming technologies and immersive experiences to illustrate the consequences of daily waste generation on marine life, encouraging positive actions. Additionally, it deploys ballot bins for cigarette butts, combining litter reduction with opinion polling.

All these actions are in line with Malta's sustainable development strategy for 2050, one of whose strategic orientations is the protection of the environment in line with the objectives set by the United Nations.