The theme for this year’s edition is the importance of public spaces, the protection of natural habitats and the effect this has on the flora and fauna of our islands. The festival’s main attraction, the infiorata, will be taking place in Pjazza San Ġorġ. This year’s infiorata, constructed of some 50,000 plants and herbs, features the design of a frog in a 500 square metre area, to highlight habitat destruction of the Painted Frog, the only amphibian we have in Malta.
The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici stated that year after year the Valletta Green Festival is increasing in popularity. “This festival illustrates the Government’s vision to keep its promise to introduce more urban greening,” he said and emphasised that the chosen theme for this year underlines the importance for public space, habitat protection as well as the effect on flora and fauna in our islands.
“These activities strengthen the artistic and cultural aspects, not only because of how one makes good use of our green and public spaces in cultural events but also because nature is one of the most important sources of inspiration and without it we lose a signifcant part of our identity,” he said.
Through its entities, the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Enterprise will be participating to raise awareness on open spaces, the importance of recycling, the protection of natural habitats, biodiversity, and the conservation of natural resources.
“We want to offer the public an informative space about the work that different entities are doing in favour of sustainability, a better and safer environment, and accessible spaces,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.
“The Valletta Green Festival, which is now in its ninth edition, is a main tool for the Valletta Cultural Agency to raise environmental awareness around the island, not just in Valletta,” said Chairman Jason Micallef.
The festival also features the Ruff Mudder canine obstacle adventure, which will be introduced at Laparelli Gardens on the 30th April from 10am till 4pm. Further to last year’s initiative, the Valletta Cultural Agency will continue its urban greening contribution, and will be leaving behind a 15% legacy introducing several plants and trees in Bull Street and Charles Street, Valletta.
Several stalls will also be set up at Pjazza San Ġorġ disseminating information on green initiatives and the environment.
The ‘Water be the Change’ information point in St George’s Square, will provide visitors with information while personnel will be able to answer any questions on protecting the environment and ways to reduce unnecessary water consumption and pollution.
Wasteserv will be participating by means of the ‘Separate right, make our future bright’ campaign, aimed at improving recycling and generating more awareness regarding waste disposal. The entity will also have a truck where people can separate their waste at Pjazza Tritoni for the duration of the festival.
The Environmental Resources Authority is setting up an exhibition showcasing the natural environment of the Maltese islands including garigues, woodlands, caves and sand. The exhibition intends to create awareness on these habitats and highlight their importance.
Ambjent Malta will be giving information about indigenous trees while giving demonstrations and disseminating information about Natura 20000 sites and Marine Protected Areas.
The Building and Construction Authority will be participating by presenting the best available eco-friendly technologies and economically viable innovative techniques that can be used to heat and cool buildings in order to reduce carbon emissions.
The festival will be held in collaboration with the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, the Ministry for the Enviornment, Energy and Enterprise and the Ministry for Public Works and Planning.
The participating entities are the Energy and Water Agency (EWA), the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Ambjent Malta, Wasteserv and Parks Malta. and the Building and Construction Authority.
