Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change Leo Brincat said that a citizen based event to clean up Gnejna Bay was not just a media event. It sent a strong stakeholder message to show that we all care and need to care about our land and marine environment.

While thanking the US Embassy as well as the US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley for her strong commitment to the environment and various community based activities, he said that through such initiatives she came across as an Ambassador of Malta rather than just as an Ambassador to Malta.

When addressing a Coastal Cleanup at Gnejna Bay, Mgarr as part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day, Minister Brincat praised the US Government’s efforts to raise awareness on coastal issues, pollution, climate change and sustainable development.

This event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup by Global Oceans, a US based NGO and with which Nature Trust Malta works every year through a National coastal cleanup. 

Minister Brincat said that the multitasking involved showed how all contributions mattered. From Embassy staffers to American and International students, seabed divers, Nature Trust waste collection co-ordinators, Malta Tourism Authority, to MaltaAqua Dive School and Sharklab logistical support as well as thanks to the general public present here today. Meanwhile the role of the Mgarr Local Council is indeed commendable. The same goes for the support of the Malta National Aquarium.

The Minister said that when key personalities from the Pope to Presidents focus on the circular economy we need to stop, listen, think and act. The circular economy is gathering momentum around the world. There are financial benefits, it is reducing waste, it is good for the environment, it is a job creator, it promotes sustainability and through the concept of reuse it is changing life style trends and patterns.

Minister Brincat stated that now is the time for the environment and the economy to work closer together more than ever to give proof that we really believe in the sustainable development that we all talk about.