The National Water Conference 2026, organised by the Energy and Water Agency, took place on 22 January 2026 at The Odycy Hotel in St Paul’s Bay under the theme “Water Heritage in Malta.” The conference explored both tangible water heritage — such as springs, aqueducts, industrial systems and conservation sites — and intangible dimensions, including traditions, legends, place names and language shaped by water. It brought together policymakers, researchers, professionals, stakeholders and students to exchange knowledge and reflect on how Malta’s rich water heritage can inform and strengthen future water policy.
The SD-WISHEES team participated in the National Water Conference 2026 in Malta, contributing to discussions on climate adaptation and the protection of cultural heritage. The conference, organised by the Energy and Water Agency, provided a timely platform to reflect on how water resilience and heritage preservation intersect in the Maltese context.
The event highlighted the growing risks posed by extreme hydroclimatic events — including flooding, sea-level rise and drought — to both tangible and intangible heritage. A central message emerging from the discussions was the importance of engaging local communities in adaptation planning. Sustainable protection of cultural heritage was recognised as requiring not only technical solutions, but inclusive governance frameworks grounded in the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA).
Natalia Shatirishvili, PMP, presented key insights from the SD-WISHEES project, outlining approaches that integrate water resilience into cultural heritage strategies, strengthen collaboration between water and heritage institutions, and embed rights-based principles in climate adaptation processes.
The discussions resonated strongly with partners including Human Right 2 Water, Aqua Legacy, International Council on Monuments and Sites, and UNESCO, reinforcing the need to bridge water governance, cultural heritage and community engagement.
The conference underscored that climate resilience is not solely an infrastructure challenge; it is equally about people, rights and safeguarding shared heritage for future generations.
