Our History

Friends of the Earth Malta has been active in the environmental field in Malta since 1985. Originally created under the name of Żgħażagħ Għall-Ambjent (Youths for the Environment), the organisation later became widely known as Moviment Għall-Ambjent (Movement for the Environment).

Friends of the Earth Malta was founded with the intention of consolidating various youth and environmental groups in the country, which quickly developed into a committee of activists. This group received noteworthy media coverage in November 1985, when members were attached during a peaceful protest that was set up to oppose development on Malta’s pristine beaches and countryside.

In 1991, the group joined the international network of Friends of the Earth. Friends of the Earth International includes groups from 75 countries and 6 continents, making it the World’s largest grassroots environmental networks. In 2024, we joined Zero Waste Europe which is a network of 36 members across 29 countries which seek to work together to reduce waste, reduce consumption and change policy.

Friends of the Earth Malta is an independent organisation that is distinct from any political party. It is also not directly affiliated with any other environmental group in Malta, but it works with several social and environmental NGOs on issues that are of common concern and interest. Since 2008 FoE Malta has been enrolled with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations in accordance with the Voluntary Organisations Act. Registered No. VO/0091