Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1515420
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 FEBRUARY 2024 7 COMMERCIAL The Zero Waste HoReCa Award Ceremony LEADING the change towards a sustainable future! The Zero Waste HoReCa pro- gram hosted an awards cere- mony, an event that celebrated innovative and effective sustain- able practices within the Hospi- tality sector. During this event 20 businesses were awarded €500 as seed money to initiate further sustainable practices. The winners were selected, from among 45 submissions, by an in- dependent Panel of subject mat- ter experts. This program, implemented in collaboration with the AK- TI Research Centre and funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, has been nothing short of trans- formative. Through strategic measures of this specific pro- gramme, we have managed to engage 100 HORECA business- es, saved over 53 million litres of water and mitigated more than 300kg of carbon emissions. Dur- ing these awards partners in this sustainability journey were also recognised for their valuable contribution in this sustainabil- ity journey: NGO Zibel, Nature Trust -Ekoskola, Festivals Malta and the Energy & Water Agen- cy. These awards were all about sustainability practices and in- novative collaborations. This ethos also encompassed the award ceremony: from locally sourced food with a low car- bon footprint, to the trophies made from recycled pieces of wood and natural moss and also the outfit of the compere Clare Agius, which was fashioned by Rachel Bartolo from recycled fishing nets, retrieved from our seas by one of our partners the NGO Zibel during their various clean-ups. The Zero Waste HoReCa pro- gram program reflects the ethos of The Coca-Cola System which we represent in Malta and aims to conduct business in a sustain- able way. We believe that a bet- ter future is achieved through socially and environmentally sustainable practices that make a difference in people's lives, communities, and our planet, by doing business the right way. STEM Awards. What are they and why are they held at Esplora ? ESPLORA wrapped up the first month of 2024 in style with the prestigious STEM Awards cer- emony, held at Esplora's Plan- etarium Hall. The event was specifically designed to acknowl- edge the dedication of Maltese educators and private entities for promoting STEM engagement throughout 2023. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, the Honourable Keith Azzopar- di Tanti closed the event, aptly remarking on the importance of STEM education, particularly within our communities. Par- liamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti praised all the awardees for their excellent contributions, described them as shining ex- amples, and encouraged them to continue raising awareness for STEM engagement. Undoubtedly, the fulcrum of modern society is technology, and it would be virtually impossi- ble to perceive a technology-free planet unless time is reversed several thousands of years. It is crucial therefore that our country continues with its efforts to keep moving forward in the dynamic realm of research and innova- tion. This can only be achieved if we entice children to appreciate and understand the importance of the STEM subjects, namely science, technology, engineering and mathematics, because these subjects are the framework of the modern world. It was precise- ly for this purpose that, in 2020, at the height of the COVID19 pandemic, the National STEM Engagement Group was set up within Esplora. The aim of this vibrant group is that of bringing together different Maltese enti- ties and professionals working in STEM education, research, communication, outreach and engagement to discuss and plan STEM initiatives in a way that avoids duplication and fragmen- tation of efforts. It is noteworthy to mention that the various activities conducted by Esplora are also designed to instill an appreciation for STEM subjects and to entice STEM en- gagement within the community at large. Ultimately, society and its citizens stand to benefit from the forward strides made in the fields of science, technology, en- gineering and mathematics, so it is prudent to invest our energies to promote STEM engagement. Our commitment at Esplora re- mains that of raising awareness about the value of STEM subjects as they are indeed crucial for the growth of skilled individuals, who will eventually join the workforce and contribute towards strength- ening Malta's human capital. A 24 hour marathon was held recently by Lions Club Mdi- na Malta Host in collaboration with HITT Malta Table Tennis Academy. The event was held at Pembroke Parish centre "Kristu Irxoxt". The event was officially opened by Malta Olympic Committee General Secretary Mr Kevin Azzopardi. President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca also paid a visit and spoke to some of the young players participating in the marathon. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Project Blossom, which provides councelling and psychotherapy to students in schools. "Blossom" is a project of the Malta Trust Foundation im- plemented in a number of state- run schools, across the Maltese Islands. A 24-hour marathon by Lions Club Mdina Malta Hosted in collaboration with HITT Malta Table Tennis Academy