Malta's water heritage, shaped by centuries of innovation and adaptation, was highlighted as a central pillar of sustainability during this year's National Water Conference.

Addressing the conference, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli stressed that safeguarding Malta's water heritage remains essential to strengthening the national water strategy and ensuring resilient and sustainable systems for future generations.

The conference, organised by the Energy and Water Agency under the theme The Water Heritage of Malta, aimed to raise awareness of historical water-related practices that have shaped Maltese identity. It provided a platform for discussion on how historical structures and cultural practices linked to water continue to influence national policies and sustainability efforts.

Energy and Water Agency CEO Ing. Sandro Lauri spoke about the national and personal values tied to Malta's water history, particularly the impact water has had on daily life, social norms and national resilience. He noted that sustainability has always been a necessity for Maltese communities, even before modern technologies.

Special emphasis was placed on tangible water heritage, including natural springs, historic aqueducts and industrial water infrastructure, showcasing the technical ingenuity used by past societies to manage water scarcity effectively.

The conference also addressed intangible water heritage through discussions on legends, place names and proverbs related to water use in Malta, highlighting their lasting influence on Maltese culture and identity.

Through this initiative, the Energy and Water Agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable water management while encouraging collaboration between heritage conservation, environmental protection and long-term planning.