Launch of the Fourth Phase of the Alter Aqua Project
The fourth phase of the Alter Aqua program has been launched with great success. A conference was held in Esplora, Kalkara, to mark the occasion, building on the achievements of the previous Alter Aqua projects.
The event was addressed by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Enterprise, Miriam Dalli. Additionally, several other prominent speakers from Alter Aqua’s partners also took the stage, including Maria Micallef, CEO of GSD Marketing, Sofia Kilifi, Sustainability and Community Manager at Coca-Cola Europe, representatives from Global Water Partnership Mediterranean, Manuel Sapiano, CEO of the Energy and Water Agency, and Glenn Bedingfield, Chairman of the Kottonera Foundation.
The launch event attracted participants from different sectors, including the public and the private sector, academia and NGOs. Throughout the day, a range of thought-provoking presentations and open discussions were organized, providing a platform for stakeholders to express their views on the significance of rainwater harvesting.
The 2023 ALTERAQUA project aims to restore historic underground reservoirs that date back to the 17th century. The reservoirs will be selected based on several factors, including their use, size, accessibility, and cultural and historical value.
This year, the Alter Aqua program will also delve into the social aspect of water and will host a workshop for young students to help them learn about our water culture history and the importance of water conservation. Additionally, the project will include a captivating “reservoir trail” in the Kottonera region, complete with conveniently placed QR codes. The primary objective of this trail is to provide visitors with a more interactive and engaging experience, allowing them to acquire intricate knowledge about the reservoirs and the project.
Over the years, the Alter Aqua program has benefited over 74,400 individuals, conserving over 19 million litres of water annually, which is equivalent to the monthly water consumption of over 1,000 families in Malta.
The Global Water Partnership – Mediterranean leads the design and implementation of the Alter Aqua program in partnership with the Energy and Water Agency and the Coca-Cola system in Malta (GSD Marketing Ltd. and The Coca-Cola Company).
