Merill, a de facto social enterprise, has achieved a remarkable double victory - winning two national awards within the span of a single week.
On 7 November, Merill was honoured with the Malta Business Award in the Social Impact category, recognising its long-standing commitment to community empowerment and rural development. Just days later, on the 13th of November, Christian Borg, co-founder of Merill, was named GreenBiz Green Entrepreneur of the Year, further cementing Merill's role as a leader in environmentally conscious and sustainable tourism.
These recognitions highlight Merill's true vision: social and environmental purpose translated into tangible actions.
For over 15 years, the Merill Rural Network has been supporting local farmers, artisans, and breeders by connecting them with authentic quality tourism opportunities. What started as an ecotourism venture has grown into a resilient ecosystem that empowers members to maintain their core livelihoods while offering visitors a genuine taste of Maltese culture.
This model has already produced visible improvements, including nature restoration, stronger community involvement, and the promotion of local products - contributing to a renewed appreciation of Malta's rural landscape and its value for the country's future.
In recent years, Merill has expanded its efforts by engaging in EU-wide projects, focusing on digital innovation and international cooperation. As the team grows, so does Merill's ability to broaden its impact, strengthen its innovation capacity, and consolidate more than a decade and a half of positive contribution to Malta's rural sector.
Today, through collaborations with SEED Projects and other support organisations, Merill continues to share its knowledge, advocate for stronger rural, agricultural and tourism policies, promote the development of a social enterprise framework, and inspire sustainable practices locally and beyond.
The message is clear: sustainability pays off with time - when built patiently, collectively, and with purpose.