Catch the Drop, a nationwide water conservation campaign, was unveiled yesterday supported by €500,000 from HSBC Bank Malta.

The three-year initiative – which got under way at Paola Primary ‘B’ School – aims to reach every school student, all 67 local councils and, ultimately, the public with its message.

HSBC Group chairman Douglas Flint pointed out that Malta ranked among the 10 countries with the least fresh water resources on the planet.

“Water is essential not only to human health and happiness, but to the prosperity and economic development of communities and nations. That applies as much to the western world as it does to developing nations,” Mr Flint said.

In the run-up to the Catch the Drop campaign launch, 180 HSBC Malta employees volunteered to deliver water presentations at Skolasajf 2013 summer schools, reaching some 4,000 students.

This campaign acknowledges that our youth are our future

Speaking yesterday, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said: “By emphasising awareness among students, this campaign acknowledges that our youth are our future, and that instilling an appreciation for natural resources is the key to achieving environmentally sustainable practices.”

The first year of the initiative will focus on raising awareness nationally about Malta’s water challenges, the second will work towards a reduction in water consumption, while the third year will emphasise water harvesting techniques in schools and local councils.

HSBC Water Programme is a $100 million global initiative.

Pointing out that 300 local employees had already volunteered to help the campaign, HSBC Bank Malta chief executive Mark Watkinson said: “This generous group effort will ensure one or more of our staff will be available in every school in Malta and Gozo to provide focal points for the Catch the Drop campaign.”

Water Conservation Minister Konrad Mizzi thanked HSBC for its support.