Parliament goes for a liquid agenda

On Saturday, April 26, parliament will convene for an extraordinary session debating the issues related to...

Relax. You are not about to get a usual dose of politics because the parliament I am talking about is not made up of the representatives of political parties but of... children.

About 80 youths from Mediterranean countries will be in Malta this week to participate in the Mediterranean Youth Water Parliament to debate present projects and propose motions on water management issues in the Mediterranean.

The event is being organised by an international NGO called Solidarity Water Europe in collaboration with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, the Nature Trust (Malta) and the ministries responsible for tourism and education.

While in Malta, children will also exhibit various works of art dedicated to water at a Green Week Fair at The Venue in Ta' Qali where Mepa will also have a stand.

Why youths? Why water? Why Malta? These are some of the questions that intrigued me and so I decided to speak to Nicole Crochet, a young energetic Frenchwoman with a charming accent who was here to organise the event.

So what is the parliament all about?

The youth parliaments for water are intercultural and intergenerational meetings that bring together professional teachers, scientists, local councilors, engineers and the young citizens involved in water projects.

The first European parliament for water was held in 1999 and several events were held since. This year, there will be the participants from various Mediterranean countries including Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon and Tunisia. The promoters want to encourage mutual knowledge, awareness of a Mediterranean identity and solidarity between the countries of the Mediterranean basin.

Why the Mediterranean?

All these countries share similar environmental concerns, particularly in the sector of water: shortage of water and water pollution, problems caused by climate change and intensifying economic development. It is a good forum to discuss the Mediterranean water issues.

Why parliament?

Primarily, because it is a democratic process. During this week, youths will work in small groups on the motions that will then be presented to governments and organisations. The parliament also elects its president, representatives and ambassadors to the countries. The representatives will then attend a follow-up event to be held in Greece in June during the Water Week.

OK, but how are the participating countries chosen?

There is a network of NGOs and international institutions that are partners and help in the organisation and coordinate the youth groups from different countries. But the programme is not limited to Europe only. There are Mediterranean countries involved and other countries as well.

And who are the Maltese partners?

The main partner in Malta is the Nature Trust. However, Mepa and the government help too. Besides, the Maltese youth delegation itself is also helping to host the event.

Who are the participants?

Mainly school children, but there are adults as well. The follow up event in Greece, for instance, is going to be attended mainly by the water experts and professionals. But mobilising young people is also a good way of mobilising adults to take action. In that sense it is not only an educational initiative, it is also a catalyst for action.

Catalyst in what sense?

The parliaments are a way of lobbying governments and organisations to undertake action where it is required and even protest against developments that harm water environment. Besides, the participants are sometimes directly involved in water projects in their countries or on a European level.

Do they discuss global problems or issues related to their countries?

The participants usually discuss issues common to the region, but they demonstrate these issues on the examples of their countries. This is the concept of think globally - act locally at work.

Why are these parliaments only focused on water?

Water gives life, but it also has an immense influence on culture. National architecture, cuisine and even the national costumes of peoples around the world are somehow affected by water. Water is our truly common heritage. Rivers, lakes, seas and oceans are all interlinked through the same global process. They belong to mankind.

I point out that an art exhibition is also being mounted at Ta' Qali. Art... parliament... how?

Ms Crochet explains: "We want to encourage people to visualise links between water and culture and we have found that the best way to do that is through art. We want people to be sensitive to water and water issues. We want people to experience these issues. This time, we are asking the participants to represent the Mediterranean basin. The participants are completely free in the choice of their medium, but the message is one - water and the Mediterranean basin. Their dreams, ideas, vision - this is the product we should expect".

Why did the promoters choose Malta as a venue for this year's parliament?

"It is not the first time though that Malta is taking part in our projects. The Maltese delegation was present at the water parliament held in Quebec. Malta has a 7,000 years history as a melting pot of cultures. This year's parliament is very special because it is the first youth parliament of such magnitude where the participants are brought together from both the north and the south of Europe and the Mediterranean. As the 'gap' between south and north continues to widen, this parliament symbolically bridges the gap, while Malta acts as a bridge," she replies.

How does it feel organising parliaments?

"I have been working with the Solidarity Water Europe for the last three years and before that I worked in the educational sphere in the public sector in France. The parliaments involve a lot of preparatory and coordination work, but all efforts are rewarded by the parliament itself. There is so much emotion and enthusiasm in the parliament that I immediately forget all the hard background work. So, I think it feels great."

Now there is an example to be followed up by our very own brand new parliament!