On Saturday 24 May, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) organised a Community Assembly at Manoel Island as part of our “SOS Project – Save our Shores: Stop Wealthy Polluters”. This project highlights the issue of pollution and the appropriation of public coastal spaces by private interests and maritime industries that primarily serve the luxury sectors with significant environmental and social consequences.
In 2023 alone, over 300 cruise ships docked in Malta, many of them still burning heavy fuel oil near residential areas, as only one ship per week uses the new shore-to-ship power connection. Beyond pollution, these industries contribute to the privatisation of coastal areas. New marina and luxury development projects often limit public access to the shoreline, favouring wealthy yacht and property owners. This increasingly marginalises local communities, especially residents and small-scale fishers who rely on access to the coast for their livelihoods and daily routines. Through a series of Community Assemblies, FoEM is engaging directly with local communities to address the environmental and social consequences of coastal privatisation and the dominance of private over public interests with the goal to co-develop political demands aimed at stronger regulations to safeguard public spaces and protect community health.
The first Community Assembly took place on Manoel Island, in collaboration with the coalition behind the “Manoel Island – Post Għalina” campaign. The event focused on the specific case of Manoel Island and its broader implications. During the community assembly, held on the steps of Fort Manoel, participants discussed key concerns around public space, pollution, and the conflict between public well-being and private interests. A central point was the need to clearly define what constitutes public space, how it should be used, and how genuine public access can be ensured. Various forms of pollution were identified, including oil spills from marinas, plastic waste, noise from nightlife and construction, as well as air and light pollution. Monitoring was seen as insufficient, particularly for light and noise.
Participants called for stronger enforcement, improved reporting systems, and clear demands to reduce pollution and its impact on residents and the environment. They also raised strong concerns about the shrinking availability of genuine public space and the growing barriers to public access. Questions were asked: What is public space? Who decides how it is used? Many pointed out that areas meant for community use are increasingly being fenced off, commercialized, or made inaccessible, often under the pretext of development or safety. Manoel Island was highlighted as a key example of this trend, with fears that luxury projects will permanently limit access to the coast, green areas, and cultural sites like Fort Manoel. Participants stressed the need for true community involvement in decisions about public land, including through representative committees involving NGOs and local residents and emphasized that Malta is too small to lose more public land, and that open, inclusive spaces are essential for social cohesion, cultural expression, and environmental justice.
Lastly, the group discussed how public well-being is increasingly compromised by private economic interests. While investment and GDP growth dominate policy decisions, they often ignore the social and ecological value of accessible green and blue spaces. The assembly highlighted how such spaces are vital for community health and cohesion and called for a shift in priorities – placing public well-being and the protection of the environment at the heart of urban planning and coastal development.
The Community Assembly took place on the final day of the “Manoel Island – Post Għalina petition”, adding a sense of urgency and momentum to the discussions. Participants were encouraged to take immediate action by collecting signatures on the spot and sharing the petition within their networks. The petition turned out to be a great success, ultimately collecting 29,057 signatures. The future of Manoel Island is still uncertain, but both the government and MIDI expressed their willingness to discuss the concession and return Manoel Island to the public. This shows once again how important it is to get involved and stand up for your rights and wishes collectively.
The SOS Project is supported by The Minor Foundation for Major Challenges.
