Marine biologist and Malta’s Ocean Ambassador Professor Alan Deidun, along with environmental activist Steve Zammit Lupi, has been honoured for their exceptional contributions to environmental preservation at the ERA Awards held at Verdala Palace.

The awards, organised by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) under the patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono, aim to highlight individuals driving significant environmental change. Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli was also present at the ceremony.

Professor Deidun received the Buonamico Award, named after Malta’s first naturalist, in recognition of his innovative research and steadfast dedication to raising environmental awareness. As Malta’s first Ocean Ambassador, his work bridges scientific exploration and conservation action.

Steve Zammit Lupi was presented with the Special Recognition Award for his activism and community initiatives. Known for cycling from Malta to Sweden to promote sustainability, Zammit Lupi continues to champion eco-friendly projects in Ħaż-Żebbuġ.

ERA Chairman Perit Vincent Cassar praised their efforts, describing them as an inspiration for future generations to protect Malta’s environment. President Spiteri Debono highlighted the importance of balancing economic growth with safeguarding natural resources, underlining the link between environmental conservation and public well-being.

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The wait is nearly over for fans of HBO’s The Last of Us, with Season 2 confirmed to premiere in spring 2025. HBO Chairman Casey Bloys announced that the highly anticipated follow-up to the record-breaking series will air between March and May next year.

Based on the popular video game series, The Last of Us is set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal pandemic that turns victims into zombie-like creatures. The second season will adapt the events of The Last of Us Part II, following Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) five years after their journey in Season 1. The story picks up in Jackson, Wyoming, before shifting to Seattle, where Ellie faces new enemies and dystopian factions.

Season 2 introduces fresh faces, including Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and Isabela Merced as Dina. Unlike its predecessor, the new season will feature just seven episodes, with a darker tone and themes of revenge. Bella Ramsey described it as an exploration of “the dangers of unconditional love.”

HBO’s planned release ensures eligibility for the 2025 Emmy Awards, making an April debut likely. Fans can expect a gripping continuation of the series’ emotional and action-packed narrative.

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Malta secured fifth place at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024, held in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday evening. Twelve-year-old Ramires Sciberras performed Stilla Ċkejkna, earning 153 points. Georgia took the top spot, followed by Portugal, Ukraine, and France.

The contest was a milestone for Malta, as it marked the first time the country competed with a song entirely in the Maltese language. Written by Ion Kirkop, Stilla Ċkejkna tells the story of Ramires’ adoption from Cambodia as a baby by his Maltese parents.

Ramires, inspired by Destiny Chukunyere’s 2015 Junior Eurovision win for Malta, said performing at the event was a dream come true. His performance proved popular with audiences, earning him 79 points from online voting, placing him third in this category.

Seventeen countries competed in this year’s edition, with Georgia’s Andria Putkaradze winning with his song To My Mom. Other notable entries included Portugal, Ukraine, and France.

Malta’s fifth-place finish highlights the country’s commitment to showcasing its language and culture on an international platform, with Stilla Ċkejkna making history in the annual competition.

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