Friends of the Earth Malta (FoE Malta) supports the introduction of the Beverage Container Refund Scheme (BCRS) that the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change has proposed. FoE Malta is pleased that a deposit scheme will be implemented by the end of 2019. This is a step in the right direction to...
Category: News
Direct action to stop tree cutting
The senseless destruction of the environment in the name of development is a growing problem which needs to be addressed. In the wake of the uprooting of hundreds of trees all over Malta, the need to take action is now being felt stronger than ever. We are calling for anyone who is interested in joining...
Citizens demand alternative vision for urban development and transport projects
We are a group of environmental NGOs, voluntary organisations and active citizens who wish to voice our concerns in unison and feel the urgent need to put forward an alternative vision to the way urban development and transport projects are being planned and executed. We believe piecemeal projects such as the Kappara Junction, Marsa Junction,...
First steps taken to cut single-use plastics in Europe
The European Commission has taken a leap forward in tackling plastic pollution, with new laws to reduce throwaway single-use plastics. The proposal, which is designed to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, and in particular the marine environment, sets a number of different policy measures to tackle these problematic...
Townsquare project permit revoked
The Planning Authority’s appeals tribunal has revoked a permit for the 38-storey Sliema Townsquare project In a joint statement, Friends of the Earth Malta, together with the Tas-Sliema Local Council and NGOs Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar,, Ramblers, Qui Si Sana and Tigne Residents Association and other organisations expressed their satisfaction at the outcome...
EU-wide ban on bee-harming pesticides passed
Tremendous victory for our bees and the wider environment. EU governments today passed a total ban on bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides on outdoor crops. [1] This comprehensive neonicotinoid ban, covering all outdoor crops, is a tremendous victory for our bees and the wider environment. The European Commission must now focus on developing a strong pollinator initiative...
Plastic packaging failing to prevent food waste crisis, new study finds
Europeans produce amongst the highest amounts of plastic packaging waste globally A rise in plastic food packaging is failing to reduce Europe’s growing food waste problem, and in some cases may even be fuelling it, according to pioneering new research. [1] The study shows how annual per-capita use of plastic packaging has grown simultaneously with...
Press Conference: Do Not Bury Us Alive
Today, residents, local councils and NGOs have come together to express their concerns at the project proposed by the db Group on the ITS site. After having carefully read the developer’s description and the Environment Impact Assessment prepared as part of the full development application process, and after having consulted with residents in a very...
FoE Malta welcomes valley restoration programme with pollinators in mind
Demands pollinators strategy for Malta Friends of the Earth Malta welcomes the recent announcement by the Ministry for the Environment as it embarks on an extensive valley restoration programme aimed at restoring ecosystems and planting species which are important for bees and other pollinators. FoE Malta has been raising awareness on the importance of honey...
The national waste dilemma
Għallis, the last remaining engineered landfill in Malta is now within a matter of months, not years, of reaching its capacity; there will be nowhere to dump our municipal waste. This does not come as a surprise – Friends of the Earth Malta has been warning that landfills are ultimately a temporary solution to the...