As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) wishes to pay tribute to its headquarters, the Julian Manduca Green Resource Centre, and to the collective efforts that went into restoring the space and transforming it into a thriving hub for community and environmental action.

A few years ago, FoEM received the keys to a former war-era warehouse in Floriana, dating back to the British period. Before FoEM took over, the warehouse was abandoned and left in a state of disrepair. Upon acquiring the site, FoEM began the process of carefully restoring the space, transforming the modest warehouse into the organisation’s headquarters and a vibrant community hub. Several years have passed since the restoration was completed, and the space now serves both as an office and a centre for community engagement.

Thanks to persistent effort and a clear vision, the building was rehabilitated without compromising its original structure. A garden was also cultivated on-site, embodying FoEM’s long-term goal of connecting people through nature. Today, it stands as a hub where individuals and activists seeking knowledge, skill-building, and guidance on environmental justice can come together.

As both a historic structure and a thriving green space, the centre reflects FoEM’s ethos: a people-focused organisation that values and promotes the conservation of Malta’s natural and cultural heritage. So much so, Zgħażagħ Għall-Ambjent’s original statute emphasised not only the safeguarding of Malta’s natural environment but also its cultural heritage. Today, the organisation’s current headquarters stand as a testament to this long-standing commitment to preserving both the natural and historical fabric of the Maltese islands. Situated in Floriana, the centre serves as a gateway to support the work of other like minded organisations and individuals, while offering a nature-oriented space within a densely urban environment.

Although referred to by different names, such as FoEM’s Garden or just Green Resource Centre, its official name is the Julian Manduca Green Resource Centre. Named and created with the intention to honour one of the founding members whose dedication to environmental and social causes helped shape the organisation. Thus, the centre aims to serve as a space that reflects FoEM’s history, legacy and inspires the generations to come. A space dedicated to protecting open areas, supporting local agriculture, addressing climate and waste issues; all of which Julian was passionate about, and ultimately celebrating this true friend of the Earth.

More recently, FoEM has embarked on a similar project on the island of Comino, centred around the old bakery known as Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna. Still in its early stages of restoration, the project aims to convert the building into an educational hub. Mirroring the spirit of the Floriana centre, Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna will serve as a space for community learning, raising awareness about the importance of protecting our natural environment, particularly within the context of a Natura 2000 site, and preserving Malta’s vernacular heritage through the adaptive reuse of a historical structure.

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To preserve this history, the NGO is inviting past members to contribute to its newly established archives by sharing stories, visuals, videos, audio material, and other memorabilia. Those interested in contributing to this research project can register here.

To commemorate this milestone, FoEM is planning a series of events with the aim to honour the organisation’s legacy, celebrate its achievements, and inspire future generations to continue advocating for a sustainable and just environment. 

Stay updated on anniversary events and initiatives by following Friends of the Earth Malta on social media and subscribing to its newsletter!

One can support the NGO’s work by donating to FoEM or Il-Forn Ta’ Kemmuna.