To mark the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter, the British High Commission is partnering with local organisations to raise awareness about protecting the environment and to give young people opportunities to share their perspectives and take action.

On Friday, students from the Nature Trust ‘EkoSkola Programme’ – through Our Lady Immaculate School in Hamrun – teamed up with the British High Commission in Malta for this clean-up at Nature Trust’s Pembroke Natura 2000 site. Pembroke Local Council also supported this event.

The Charter sets out the values of the Commonwealth of Nations and one of its 16 core values and principles relates to protecting the environment.

Commonwealth members including the UK and Malta are working together to tackle environment and climate change issues.

At Friday’s clean-up event, British High Commissioner Katherine Ward spoke with the students, teachers and other attendees.

“Tackling climate change and protecting the environment cannot be left to just a few. To succeed, we must involve everyone and act together. As signatories to the Commonwealth Charter, Commonwealth members recognise the importance of the protection and conservation of our natural ecosystems” she said. “We must also listen to the ideas and perspectives of our youth. I am inspired to see their passion and energy when sharing their innovative ideas and solutions.”

Executive President of Nature Trust Malta (NTM) Vincent Attard thanked the students for their dedication towards the environment and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Charter of the Commonwealth.

He stated that “This is a nice occasion as it brings together our young generation to learn to care for the natural environment and try to mend what others did not respect.”

He also thanked students, BHC staff, NTM staff and School SMT and the Pembroke Local Council for their support in this event.

The participants focused on challenges such as dealing with microplastics, which although small still have a significant negative impact on our natural environment. It was noted that humans are the principal cause of Climate Change and therefore we have to act now. 20 Kilos on micro waste was collected from part of the Natura 2000 site

Photo Participants of the event together with the British High Commissioner

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