The Emergency Rescue Response Corps (ERRC) in Gozo will be benefiting from funding of €50,000 under the NGOs scheme launched by the Ministry for Gozo associated with the plan of action 2010-2012 on eco Gozo. The ERRC will be benefiting from the maximum funding allocated to any organisation under this scheme.

The Ministry said that the ERRC will be using these funds to carry out two projects, ‘Green Wave’ and ‘GASART,’ (Gozo Aquatic Search and Rescue Team). They include several initiatives that are related to the promotion and protection of the marine environment, as well as an educational campaign to increase awareness about health and safety at sea, particularly among children. Through these two projects ERRC Gozo will be carrying out a campaign of cleaning the seabed to include areas that are used by the many local and foreign divers who enjoy the hobby in Gozo.

Another campaign will be held in cooperation with more than 300 Gozo fishermen, to collect from the seabed lost or abandoned fishing gear that continues to catch fish. It is environmentally detrimental and the fish caught is wasted. This campaign will have a large impact in reducing the negative effect of what is known as ‘ghost fishing.’ An educational campaign is also being carried out for children attending sessions of Summer School. Information is given relatinf to the importance of respecting the marine environment. This campaign will also be made aware to members of the general public.

Another initiative by the ERRC will be for people with disabilities, who will be given the opportunity, with the assistance of ERRC members, to learn about diving. The project is also focusing on increasing GASART equipment and other facilities available to the ERRC to enable an improved sea rescue facility, as well as offering lifeguard services and emergency response on the beaches of Gozo and Comino.

This announcement was made at an event attended by among others the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, together with a number of members of ERRC Gozo. The Minister explained how ‘Green Wave’ and ‘GASART,’ corresponded with a number of measures proposed in the action plan 2010-2012 on eco-Gozo, including those that promote the strengthening and protection of the marine environment, as well as those of seeking to offer a quality of life without exclusion. The Minister commended the initiatives taken by the ERRC to work voluntarily and through which many young people are given the opportunity to engage effectively in aid of the community. “The Ministry for Gozo supports voluntary work because it recognises the great wealth obtained through them,” the Gozo Minister concluded.

Through the summer months the ERRC concentrate their operations around Ramla Bay in Gozo, as well as the Blue Lagoon in Comino.The service is in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, Ministry for Gozo – Eco-Gozo. Support is also being provided by Transport Malta, Civil Protection Department and the Gaia Foundation.

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