U.S. Embassy in Malta

To celebrate Earth Day, the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program Malta (GLOBE Malta), volunteers from the U.S. Embassy, the Green Diplomacy Network, which comprises many diplomatic missions in Malta, and the Sliema Local Council cleaned up trash on the beach and surrounding areas on the Sliema Seafront on Thursday, April 27.

Commenting on the activity, Public Affairs Officer Elizabeth Canellakis reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community outreach.  Ms. Canellakis said, “This effort reflects how collaboration can raise awareness about environmental degradation and demonstrates what each one of us can do in our own small way to fight that.”  She thanked GLOBE Malta for its vital role in providing science education that focuses on the environment in local schools and communities.

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program (GLOBE), which celebrates its 28^th birthday this month, is a worldwide, hands-on, science and education program focusing on the environment, now active in over 120 countries worldwide, including Malta.  GLOBE is supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) among other U.S. entities.  Approximately fifty schools in Malta and Gozo contribute scientific data on the environment to GLOBE’s international database.  This year, seven local schools participated in the GLOBE research investigation for the International Virtual Science Symposium and scored full stars.

The U.S. Embassy paid tribute to GLOBE Malta by recognizing the sterling contribution of Deputy Director Ramona Mercieca, whose efforts have earned her international praise in the GLOBE network, where she is known as a “trailblazer.” The U.S. embassy recognized Ms. Mercieca with a special award for her exceptional contributions to GLOBE Malta.