FoE Malta is establishing a legal and environmental one stop shop to offer an innovative service to members of the community seeking advice on matters concerning decisions that affect environmental quality and the well being of communities. The vast legal framework regulating environment protection is not widely understood at a local level. Despite the obligatory procedures for public consultation in the process of adopting new regulations, very little effort is made to explain the scope of legal provisions and moreover procedures that can be undertaken by citizens to ensure that legislation is complied with. We regularly receive requests from the public asking for help particularly regarding the threat to Malta’s limited open and undeveloped spaces. FoE Malta’s aim is to empower the public with the knowledge and tools needed to make positive changes in safeguarding our natural heritage.

Operating from the FoE Resource Centre, the Green Clinic offers members of the public with two types of services:

Expert advice and support on environmental management options, particularly to transform and make daily life operations/activities eco-friendlier. In addition to one to one advice, regular specialist workshops will be developed, aimed at communicating awareness on methods to reduce our impact on the environment. We also aim to create a library of manuals available to the public so that the impacts of the workshops are long lasting.

Legal advice and support for individuals and groups who want to challenge cases of illegal development, pollution and decisions taken to the detriment of the environment. Those seeking assistance will be able to visit the centre and speak to professionals as well as contact them via telephone, email and social media. The scope and level of service to be provided may be extended in the future, depending on the performance of the initial years as well as demand.