The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) held a seminar as part of the MEN Excellent Mediterranean Net Project. The project aims to increase the mobility of workers in the Italian-Maltese cross-border area.

The fourth seminar of the Excellent Mediterranean Net (MEN) Interreg project was held on 19^th May at the Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana.  As MCAST’s project leader, Mr Richard Curmi gave a short introduction about the seminar’s topic and also introduced the speakers. Mr Fabio Manciagli, from the Comune di Acireale, emphasized the importance of such projects and the benefits for young people through the partnership between Sicily and Malta.  Furthermore, Mr Manciagli praised Malta for their approach to attract tourists.

The speakers invited, who are experts in their specific fields, covered the topics of research, regulation and environment protection.  Dr. Alfonso Siciliano, from the AquaBioTech Group, spoke about the practical implications of cross-border work placements and illustrated how such initiatives are advantageous to both the environmental sector and the promotion of a flourishing professional trajectory.

Building on a selection of exemplificatory projects, he provided an informative and personal perspective, emphasizing the manifold benefits of such international arrangements for a successful career. The CEO of Nature Trust, Mr Vince Attard, gave an  introduction about Nature Trust, the organisation’s objectives, research and innovation plans and the sterling work done for the protection of the Maltese environment.  Ms Martina Cutajar, also from Nature Trust, spoke about the importance of research (biological, stakeholders and enforcement), the importance of understanding laws and regulations, and the right and most efficient ways of enforcement.

 

Ms Cutajar put emphasis on the importance of stakeholder involvement and the returns of doing so, in the effectiveness of successful research and enforcement and how research and regulations are fundamental pillars of environmental protection.

The seminar was also addressed by Dr Sarah Camilleri, MCAST Senior Research officer, who spoke about the DPSIR framework and its importance in environmental research. Finally Ms Maria Ragia and Ms Rozela Franco, from the MCAST Research team, delivered an interactive session, engaging those present.

The event proved to be an opportunity to reflect on the role that the College plays in raising environmental awareness amongst all groups of people in society, especially students following courses at MCAST, while encouraging research in the area of environmental protection.

The upcoming seminar of the project will be held on May 26 at the Intercontinental Hotel in St Julians. The theme of the fifth seminar will be Health and Quality Life.