With the arrival of a new year, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) renews its commitment to working tirelessly for a better environment and a sustainable future for both people and the planet. As the NGO reflects on the achievements of the past year, it also celebrates a significant milestone.
The year 2025 was especially meaningful for FoEM, marking the 40th anniversary since its founding in 1985 as Żgħażagh Għall-Ambjent (Youths for the Environment). The celebrations, named Erbgħin Sena Għall-Ambjent (40 Years for the Environment), highlighted four decades of dedicated environmental activism. As FoEM embarks on its fifth decade, its commitment remains as strong as ever.
Throughout 2025, FoEM continued its work across its five key pillars: Climate, Energy & Mobility; Food, Agriculture & Biodiversity (FAB); Zero Waste; Youth & Education; and its flagship project, Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna. The NGO maintained its focus on promoting renewable energy and a fossil fuel-free Malta, alternative transportation methods, and campaigning for better local waste management systems.
In line with its belief in food sovereignty, FoEM introduced a plant-based strategy in 2025 aimed at fostering a culture of sustainable eating and zero food waste, supported by monthly plant-based recipes. This initiative also emphasised supporting local farmers through the relaunch of the Malta Farm Map’s visual identity, encouraging the public to buy locally grown produce. Returning to its roots as a youth-led activist group, FoEM launched Young Friends of the Earth Malta, a youth initiative already adopted by several NGOs within the network.
Comino remained a vital focus for FoEM’s work. The flagship project, Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna, progressed with restoration efforts and small-scale events on site. Additionally, FoEM conducted waste audits and public outreach campaigns to help protect the fragile environment of this Natura 2000 site.
The year was also marked by several events, both celebrating the 40th anniversary milestone and advancing other important initiatives. Noteworthy among these were the ĊineAmbjent Film Festival, held across six different locations around the island, and one of the NGO’s final events of the year, a repair café at FoEM’s Green Resource Centre in Floriana. This event highlighted the vital importance of community in today’s increasingly individualistic and consumer-driven society.
Building on four decades of activism, FoEM also collaborated with other environmental organizations on action-driven campaigns. Notably, it supported the recently launched Ġustizzja Għal Artna (Justice for Our Land), led by Moviment Graffitti. These partnerships honour the legacy of past activists while addressing today’s urgent environmental challenges.
As 2026 begins amid a political landscape increasingly influenced by right-wing ideologies, FoEM remains committed to confronting urgent environmental challenges. Recognising that political shifts can impact environmental policies and public discourse, FoEM is dedicated to continuing its vital work in raising awareness on national and international issues, educating communities, and safeguarding Malta’s natural heritage. In the face of these evolving dynamics, FoEM embraces resilience and collaboration, determined to foster inclusive, science-based solutions that protect the planet and promote social and ecological justice for current and future generations.
On this note, the NGO warmly thanks all its supporters for their unwavering belief in and dedication to its mission. It is through this shared commitment and collective effort that Friends of the Earth Malta can continue to drive meaningful change for the environment and our communities. Together, we can nurture hope and build a sustainable future for all.