Between the 26th and 29th March 2025, the ‘EchoGreen – Reshaping Our Environment’ project led by Siġġiewi Local Council was launched with the participation of 14 other Local Councils and NGOs from across Europe. Among the participants was also the Vidzeme Planning Region, which contributed to the event by presenting sustainable development initiatives implemented in the region – including improvements in public transport, promotion of circular economy solutions and community involvement in decision-making. Particular attention was also given to the importance of cross-border cooperation in achieving climate goals and introducing innovations in smaller and more remote regions.
This project, funded by the European Union under the “CERV – Citizenship, Equality, Rights and Values” programme, aims to enable participants to share good practices that are already being implemented in towns across Europe related to sustainability and environmental projects in both urban and rural areas. During this initiative, awareness has been raised about energy use, recycling as well as giving space to a sustainable circular economy.
Participants shared the challenges that their communities face, particularly those in the fields of sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy. During these days, Honourable Eve Borg Bonello, spokesperson on behalf of the opposition to climate change, as well as the CEO of the Climate Action Authority, Engineer Abigail Cutajar, shared a number of thoughts with the participants.
The Mayor of Siġġiewi Julian Borg stressed that projects such as these not only help us learn from other local councils and municipalities but also serve to bring European communities closer together. He continued by encouraging more Local Councils in Malta to engage in these projects because in this way we will be able to improve our localities and the everyday life of our residents.
During this project, the participants made an official visit to Her Excellency the President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono as well as to an educational visit at a primary school in Siġġiewi.
This project was concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the cities in the Siġġiewi Local Council Hall and a musical concert at the Church of St. Nicholas with the participation of three Siġġiewi musicians, Tenor Joseph Aquilina, Mezzo Soprano Nicole Vassallo and organist Mark Vassallo. The agreement provides a framework for continued experience exchange among local authorities, strengthened cooperation on environmental and climate matters, and the development of joint initiatives in the field of sustainability.
The second part of the ‘EchoGreen’ project will continue next September in Hungary, with the Siġġiewi Local Council remaining the moderator in the discussions.
