Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530039
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 DECEMBER 2024 7 COMMERCIAL A green transformation in Marsa SPENCER Garden in Marsa has opened to the public following a major transformation led by the Environmental Resources Au- thority (ERA) and the Environ- ment Ministry. Once neglected and overgrown, the garden has been redeveloped into a sus- tainable green space aimed at improving urban life and foster- ing environmental awareness. Located near ERA's headquar- ters, the 11,000-square-meter site had become a symbol of urban neglect. Its restoration, supported by the Marsa Local Council and the Curia, is al- so part of the Ministry's wider strategy, led by Minister Miriam Dalli, to enhance green spac- es in urban areas. The project is a clear and successful effort to balance the natural environ- ment with community benefit. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Robert Abela and En- vironment Minister Miriam Dalli, and blessed by Archbish- op Charles Scicluna last week. The transformation of Spen- cer Garden also reflects ERA's commitment towards a better environment, part of many pro- jects and initiatives that are sup- porting sustainable urban devel- opment in our country. The redeveloped garden now features nearly 6,000 new plants, enhancing biodiversity in the ar- ea. Three reservoirs, with a total capacity of 600,000 liters, cap- ture rainwater to promote sus- tainable water use. Solar panels installed on-site generate 12,000 kWh of renewable energy an- nually, and public electric vehi- cle charging stations align with Malta's transition to cleaner energy solutions. A soundproof barrier along the December 13th Road reduces traffic noise, improving the garden's atmos- phere. In addition to being a green space, Spencer Garden also serves as an educational and cultural hub. Monuments with- in the garden pay tribute to Pope Francis's Laudato Si' en- cyclical and Maltese botanist Guido Lanfranco, reinforcing the importance of protecting the environment. A propaga- tion nursery offers interactive learning about Malta's native flora, particularly for children, encouraging greater awareness of local biodiversity. Spencer Garden provides a tranquil retreat where everyone can experience nature. As the garden thrives, it will undoubt- edly become an integral part of the community, offering a space for relaxation, education, and connection to the environ- ment. It is another new green space that is part of the plan to reshape the country's environ- mental landscape. Atlas Insurance and Melita FC celebrate successful annual Under-12 football festival THE fifth annual Atlas Un- der-12 Football Festival took place on the 23rd of Novem- ber at the Melita F.C. Football Ground and Sports Complex in Pembroke, where young foot- ballers enthusiastically partic- ipated in a day of spirited com- petition and fun. This year's festival featured five competing teams: Meli- ta F.C. Red, Melita F.C. Black, F.S.E.F.P. Mdina Knights F.C., Ħamrun Spartans F.C. and Mo- sta F.C., whose members were given a platform to showcase their skills and passion for the game, enjoying the competition in a supportive and dynamic environment that emphasised fair play, sportsmanship and a sense of community among players and supporters. All players were presented with a commemorative trophy by Atlas Insurance's CEO and Managing Director Matthew von Brockdorff. Mr. von Brockdorff expressed his delight at the enthusiasm of the participants and stated, "Atlas Insurance is proud to host this Football Festival as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting youth sports and the impressive talents of these young athletes. The success of this festival also reinforces the importance of youth sports as a vital part of community devel- opment and engagement." Matthew Naudi, Melita F.C. Club President, further com- mented: "The Atlas tourna- ment has become an annual event in the Melita F.C. calen- dar, showcasing the remarkable talents and sportsmanship of our club and the other partic- ipating teams each year. With the support of sponsors like Atlas Insurance, we are deter- mined and excited to continue nurturing the next generation of talent." Atlas Insurance has been the main sponsor of Melita F.C. for several years with the first sponsorship agreement dat- ing back to 2009. Atlas Insur- ance has yet again renewed its sponsorship to support the football club at all levels – from the youth section to the senior team as well as the coaching team.