Top environmentalist to address Malta conference

Top environmental activist Vandana Shiva will be in Malta to speak about food rights at a conference organised by the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society.

The Third National Wellbeing Conference, which will be opened by President MarieLouise Coleiro Preca at Verdala Palace on Tuesday, 16 October — World Food Day — is titled ‘Food Rights, Privilege and Security: Perception vs Reality’.

Dr Shiva, an Indian scientist and green activist, is renowned for her campaign against genetically modified food and seed monopolies.

She has worked to promote biodiversity in agriculture to increase productivity, nutrition, and farmers’ incomes, work which won her the title of Environmental Hero by Time magazine in 2003.

Among the speakers is Matthew Camilleri, who heads the Fishing Operations and Technology Branch, Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division, at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

Dr Camilleri will be tackling food justice and achieving sustainable fisheries for food security and nutrition.

European Commission deputy director general for mobility and environment Joanne Drake, as well as Agriculture Parliamentary Secretary Clint Camilleri will also be speaking at the conference.

The topics that will be raised during the conference include the importance of food security, sustainability and how food strengthens our relationships with one another, in a way that fosters equality and security.