The University Maritime Platform (UMP) Chair contributes to the Malta Maritime Summit Panel discussion on Environment and Oceans and their Protection.

Prof. Adriana Vella (UMP Chair) discussed the importance of scientific research toward contributing knowledge for informed mitigation measures and effective management of the innumerable activities affecting marine life and maritime industry sustainability.

Constantly updating data with greater efficiency and accuracy is paramount to the challenges this planet's environment  and oceans face. Under-estimating this essential basis on which to build a more healthy, secure and fruitful future would be under-estimating mankind as the resourceful species it is.

Investing more in human resources and innovations without ignoring the need to drastically improve effective protection of natural resources and biodiversity shall help tangible progress in the marine and maritime sectors. Therefore, efforts to strengthen relevant skills, awareness, dialogue, research, green technology and governance, such as those targeted by the UMP and its collaborators, may provide solutions to the current challenges.

Prof. Vella took this opportunity to inform the participants that the UMP is currently also working towards an international marine and maritime conference in 2025.

In this panel the UMP Chair was joined by representatives from REMPEC, the World Ocean Council, Malta Enterprise and the Malta Tourism Authority with Moderation led by Prof. Anastasia Kiritsi, from Arden University.

Among the various speakers of the MMS there were also Dr Ian Borg, Hon. Chris Bonett, H.E. Arsenio Dominques (SG-IMO), Hon. Edoardo Rixi, Hon. Miriam Dalli, Hon. Clayton Bartolo, Emanuele Grimaldi, Marily Frangista (MISA).

Further information is available by email.