On the 28th of May, students from a primary school in St Paul’s Bay gathered to take part in the official launch of the Saving Our Blue campaign; an initiative now in its seventh year, aimed at promoting marine conservation and environmental sustainability across Malta.

The event marked not only the beginning of this year’s campaign activities but also reaffirmed the campaign’s evolving mission through a renewed visual identity and a stronger focus on education and public engagement.

Held under the slogan “Be part of the solution, not the pollution,” the event brought environmental awareness to life through a range of engaging and educational experiences. Central to the day’s agenda was a conference led by Professor Alan Deidun from the University of Malta.

Prof. Deidun shared vital insights into marine ecosystem protection, with a particular focus on NEPTUNE – The Seagrass Restoration Project in the Mediterranean Sea. This pilot project, a collaboration between the Medsea Foundation, Fondation de la Mer, and the University of Malta, aims to restore vital seagrass meadows, an essential component of healthy marine habitats.

In addition to the expert-led discussions, the event was also the stage for the official launch of the Saving Our Blue Activity Book. Introduced by the Minister, Hon Dr. Miriam Dalli, the book is tailored for primary school students and is designed to be both an educational tool and a long-term reference point for young learners. It will be distributed to students across Malta and a digital version will also be made available on the Saving Our Blue website.

One of the most popular highlights of the event was an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, which allowed students to explore Malta’s marine protected areas in an interactive, engaging format. VR segments featured iconic underwater locations such as Filfla, Comino, the Azure Ruins, and the wreck of the Hephaestus, bringing marine conservation to life in a way that was both fun and informative. These virtual explorations provided students with a greater appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the marine environment.

This year’s campaign also went through a rebranding initiative, aimed at enhancing public recognition and engagement. With a fresh visual identity and a renewed strategic direction, Saving Our Blue continues to strengthen its mission: educating the next generation, promoting sustainable habits, and encouraging citizens to take action in protecting our seas.

The launch event was a call to action. By combining education, innovation, and hands-on experiences, Saving Our Blue is empowering students, and the wider public, to become stewards of Malta’s marine resources. The campaign is proof of what can be achieved when communities, educators, scientists, and policymakers come together with a shared vision for a cleaner, healthier ocean.

Be part of the solution, not the pollution!