On Thursday 24 October 2024, a team from the University of Malta led a session in the TAIEX TSI Workshop on Mainstreaming Climate Adaptation for Horizontal Coordination in Malta as part of the Climate-MATCH project being carried out in collaboration with the EUCC.
The University of Malta research team presented the aim and objectives of the CHeriSH component, which focusses on the impact of climate change on coastal cultural heritage. Prof. Marc Bonello, Dean of the Faculty for the Built Environment presented an overview of the primary objectives, phasing and project deliverables of the CHeriSH Component.
Ms Lucia Buhagiar and Ms Annukka Köppen discussed the state-of-play of vulnerability assessments of heritage buildings exposed to climate change related hazards together with an overview of the proposed project methodology and methodologies for heritage value mapping and assessment respectively. Guest speaker Mr Jonathan Borg from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) presented the realities of many coastal heritage assets in Malta, stressing the need for action for their protection. This was followed by an interactive workshop led by Prof. Reuben Grima where the participants were divided into breakout groups to facilitate discussions on coastal cultural heritage sites, climate hazards, and site vulnerabilities. Dr Ritienne Gauci from the Department of Geography concluded the workshop with a roundup of the main outcomes.
On 23 October 2024, the 3rd International Mediterranean Coastal Erosion and Climate Change Adaptation Conference took place, an event that brought together international and national experts, researchers, and various public entities from Malta to address the pressing issues of coastal erosion and climate adaptation. Participants had the opportunity to expand their knowledge by attending engaging and insightful speeches and panel discussions focused on the Maltese perspective on climate change adaptation across different public entities. This was complemented by international perspectives and case studies from the Netherlands, Cyprus, France, Spain and Ireland.
The conference also explored EU practices and initiatives regarding data collection and analysis that support coastal erosion and climate change adaptation. It provided a valuable opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of ongoing climate adaptation efforts in Malta and to network with key institutions beneficial for the project's implementation.
The University of Malta leads the CHeriSH component of the Climate MATCH project, with the participation of Prof. Ruben Paul Borg, Prof. Marc Bonello, Prof. Reuben Grima, Dr Shirley Cefai, Ms Lucia Buhagiar and Ms Annukka Koppen from the Faculty for the Built Environment, together with Prof. Sebastiano D’Amico and Dr Matthew Agius from the Department of Geosciences, and Dr Ritienne Gauci from the Department of Geography.
