As part of the EU Climate Pact initiative, MIEMA (www.miema.org), as the Pact’s country coordinator in Malta, organised a beach clean-up in Gozo earlier this month, which was followed by a turtle release.

The activity was on the held in collaboration with Nature Trust – FEE – Malta and its Wildlife Rescue Team.

Primary school children, parents, teachers, community members, environmental advocates, and volunteers gathered at Ramla Bay for a spirited beach clean-up event aimed at preserving the Gozitan coastal environment by collecting plastic, debris and other waste.

The event also served as an educational activity to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of microplastics on the marine and coastal environment.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 millimetres in diameter which can be very easily ingested by marine life can lead to physical blockages, internal injuries, and even death.

Nurdles (small plastic pellets that are melted down to make almost all plastic products) are particularly toxic to marine life and are unfortunately the second largest source of primary microplastic pollution globally.

Dr Hans Friederich and Dr Matthew Baldacchino, two Gozitan residents and Climate Pact Ambassadors for Malta participated in the clean-up activity.The event was followed by a turtle release. Nature Trust – FEE – Malta and its Wildlife Rescue Team released three rehabilitated loggerhead turtles, named Liam, Eva, and Daisy.

The turtles had been receiving the necessary treatment and support during the previous months at the rehabilitation center in Xrobb L-Ghagin. The activity was addressed by Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri.

The European Climate Pact is a movement of people united around a common cause, each taking steps in their own worlds to build a more sustainable Europe. Launched by the European Commission, the Pact is part of the European Green Deal and is helping the EU to meet its goal to become climate-neutral by 2050.

The objectives of the climate pact are to raise awareness of climate issues and EU actions, encourage climate action & catalyse engagement and connect citizens and organisations that act on climate and help them to learn from each other.

Further information on the EU Climate Pact is available by clicking here.

Photos: MIEMA

Permalink: EU Climate Pact beach clean-up and turtle release at Ramla Bay, Gozo