Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539534
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 CULTURE ST John Ambulance and Res- cue, Coast is Clear and Calypso Sub Aqua joined forces today to organise a highly successful un- derwater clean-up at Ċirkew- wa South Quay. The initiative highlighted the strength of collaboration between NGOs, bringing together volunteers, divers, and supporting entities in a collective effort to safe- guard Malta's coastal environ- ment. Volunteers joined forces to remove debris from the sea- bed, improving safety for divers and protecting marine life. Volunteers also received sup- port from the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), the Civil Protec- tion Department (CPD), and Cirkewwa Marine Park Divers. Special thanks are extended to Transport Malta, the Environ- ment and Resources Authority (ERA), Mellieħa Local Council, and the Police for their assis- tance and collaboration. Far- sons for providing refreshments and Watercolours Dive Centre and Dive Systems limted for supporting with equipment. This event is one of the key deliverables of St John Ambu- lance and Rescue's VOPS-sup- ported project, thanks to Malta Council for the Voluntary Sec- tor, which has enabled the pur- chase of a coastal rescue truck to enhance coastal and marine emergency response. Addition- ally, a series of awareness cam- paigns have been launched on social media, promoting diving safety, coastal protection, and environmental conservation. A total of 70 volunteers in- cluding 10 AFM and CPD per- sonnel took part in the oper- ation. Over 500 kilograms of debris were collected from the seabed, significantly contrib- uting to marine conservation efforts and improving diving safety at Ċirkewwa. The event was attended by Ministers Dr. Ian Borg and Julia Farrugia Portelli, who commended the initiative and recognised the importance of partnerships between volun- teers, NGOs, and authorities in preserving Malta's marine envi- ronment. Julia Farrugia Portelli, Min- ister for Inclusion and Vol- untary Organisations, com- mending the initiative and underlining the vital role of NGOs and volunteers in en- vironmental protection. She specifically highlighted the strength of collaboration be- tween St John Ambulance and Rescue, Coast is Clear, and the Calypso Sub-Aqua Club, noting that their joint effort serves as a model for successful partner- ship in safeguarding Malta's marine environment. Ian Borg, Minister for For- eign and European Affairs and Trade, who highlighted the im- portance of protecting Malta's seas through collaboration be- tween volunteers and authori- ties. Underwater cleanup at Cirkewwa South Quay THE National Book Council (NBC) has unveiled its trailer for the Malta Book Festival, taking place between 5-9 November at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, Ta' Qali. Bringing the theme of meta- morphosis and change to life – as embodied by its slogan 'Writing Anew', the trailer takes a fun, up- beat and quirky look at the thrill of literary creation – from initial creative desire to the lull of writ- er's block, before finally culmi- nating in the thrill of inspiration. "As the festival approaches, we are getting more and more excited to open our doors to audiences from all walks of life, who will get a chance to experi- ence our rich programme free of charge throughout the five festi- val days," National Book Coun- cil Executive Chairperson Mark Camilleri said. "The theme of this year's festi- val is all about positive transfor- mation, and in fact for the first time ever, our trailer is a live-ac- tion production, making good on the promise of bold and fresh new direction embodied by the Writing Anew slogan," Camill- eri said of the clip, which was devised by Rupture Studio and features music by acclaimed lo- cal musician Michael Azzopardi. "We were lucky to have some amazing artists and illustrators – not to mention accompany- ing music by equally great art- ists – working on our previous promotional material in former years. Our move to live-action once again reflects the varie- ty and richness of the festival, which serves to inspire, educate and entertain all those who visit," Camilleri added. While the extended version of the trailer can be enjoyed on the National Book Council's plat- forms, a shortened version will soon also appear on various plat- forms and avenues. The Malta Book Festival will be taking place between 5-9 No- vember at the MFCC, Ta' Qali. You may watch the trailer here. For more information, follow its dedicated web page here. You may also find the Malta Book Festival on Facebook, and the National Book Council on Insta- gram. The National Book Council launches the Malta Book Festival trailer