Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) is thankful for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Grand Harbour Revival Plan, and are encouraged to see a number of important considerations already discussed in the plan, such as concerns around gentrification, the importance of climate resilient design, and the necessity of securing public access to the waterfront and proposed park. We believe the plan can do more to protect and bring back nature into this urban and industrial landscape, and can be an opportunity to provide safe, direct and attractive connectivity for walking, cycling and public transport through this key node in Malta’s transport network and urban area.
Sustainable mobility
What is our vision for a better transport system in Malta?
Today, road transport contributes to one-third of the total greenhouse gas emissions in Malta. To stop fueling the climate crisis and reduce carbon emissions, as well as the impact of air pollution on public health, road safety concerns and diminishing public space for anyone outside a car, we need to move away from planning only for cars.
Exactly because Malta is small and space is limited, we need to invest in cleaner and leaner modes of transport. The car is the least space-efficient mode of transport of all! The average commute in Malta is only 5.5km, therefore we need to invest in direct, safe, comfortable, attractive and connected infrastructure for walking and cycling so that the choice to go on foot or by bicycle for short trips is easy and obvious.
Friends of the Earth Malta are pushing the government to recognise the need of more socially just transport infrastructure which is safe and pleasant for pedestrians and micromobility users. The public transport services, such as buses and ferries, should be reliable and serve the diverse needs of the public and not the financial whims of private investors. More urban space shall be dedicated to communities rather than to the stowing of private vehicles.
MICROMOBI project
In MICROMOBI project we aim to develop skills and raise awareness on the topic of micromobility, small human or electric powered mobility devices suitable for short urban trips. Increased uptake of micromobility is a key tool to reduce carbon emissions from transport, the main priority we are addressing through this project: to contribute to more environmentally friendly cities and fight against climate change.
The project combines training and skill-sharing activities that enable bottom-up and top-down change in the transition to micromobility: educating the users through micromobility and road safety training, repair cafes to teach skills and contribute to sustainability of materials, and training planners and professionals within organisations and entities to better plan for sustainable mobility, including micromobility, and contribute to improved road safety for vulnerable road users.
Bike About project
The Bike About project (04/2023 – 03/2024) was aimed at increasing the use of bicycles as part of our NGO work, promoting cycling and bicycle use amongst our volunteers, youth group and community, and teaching people the skill of cycling and bicycle repair.
By teaching people how to cycle and how to do so safely (for commuting to school or work) and by showcasing the use of an e-cargo bike to transport goods, we enabled and inspired more people to make the shift to cycling, for some or all of their trips. Cycling is a form of climate action! A reduction in private car use by shifting to cycling contributes to greenhouse gas emission reductions and improved quality of life in the locality and country.
In our commitment to supporting cyclists, we’ve created a bike repair kit available for public use for repairs or to borrow, at the FoEM Green Resource Centre. The kit includes:
– Pump, tube patches and various glues
– A helmet, high visibility vests and bicycle lights
– Multitool and tire levers
– Biodegradable degreaser, cleaner and lubricant
This service is available during office hours and when we have events at our Green Resource Centre in Floriana. Please send us a message via Facebook/Instagram before coming to ensure someone is in the office and able to provide you with the necessary tools.
Outside of our Green Resource Centre in Floriana you can find a secure parking space for your bike.
The Green Travel Plan
The Green Travel Plan is designed to assist our staff, volunteers, and project partners to make more sustainable choices when travelling to, from, and around Malta. The plan includes a range of information and links to travel planning websites to support green travel.
From rail connections from Europe, to ferry routes across the Mediterranean, as well as local travel information about public transport and ride-hailing services across the Maltese Islands, the Green Travel Plan offers practical alternatives to reduce your transport carbon footprint. The useful links, tips, and step-by-step planning tools can assist in discovering cleaner and greener ways to move to, from, and around the islands.
Information by Dr Suzanne Maas, Climate Campaign Coordinator – Friends of the Earth Malta
Designed by Owen Dyer and Aprille Zammit, Communications Team – Friends of the Earth Malta
Climate publications
News
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Malta’s seas are not a playground for oil giants
It may be a repeating election gimmick, but Friends of the Earth Malta denounces the Maltese government’s decision to once again open the door to fossil fuel exploration in our waters, by giving oil giant Chevron a licence for exploratory studies for oil and gas.
Streets for People, Not Just Cars: NGOs Urge Rethink of Msida Bridge Plans
Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota strongly condemn the recent proposal to build a pedestrian bridge as part of the Msida Creek project. The NGOs noted that similar proposals to build pedestrian bridges as part of the original plans for the project in 2020 had been shot down for a multitude of reasons.
Dwejra is to be lit up: Government’s “Protection” Law Is a Blatant Betrayal of Dwejra and a Fraud on the Public
The undersigned organisations condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the destructive bill drafted by government under the pretence of “protecting” Dwejra. This law does not protect Dwejra. It vandalises it. It is a calculated assault on the last remaining dark site of the Maltese Islands, dressed up in green language to hoodwink the public.
Environmental NGOs bring the sustainability initiative to the island, working with restaurants and the community to increase planet-conscious options
This February, restaurants and community spaces across Malta are coming together to show how everyday food choices can become powerful climate action. Through shared tables, familiar flavours, and environmentally-friendly creativity, the Eat for Impact initiative is demonstrating how local decisions can generate measurable global environmental benefits.
Waste Reduction Before Incineration
In response to the very thorough article written by Denis Zammit Cutajar, on 25th January entitled “A golden opportunity to rethink the waste-management strategy,” I would like to thank the author, and reiterate many of the same points. We should take this opportunity to reevaluate the need for a large incinerator on Malta.
Streets for People, Not Just Cars: NGOs Urge Rethink of Msida Bridge Plans
Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota strongly condemn the recent proposal to build a pedestrian bridge as part of the Msida Creek project. The NGOs noted that similar proposals to build pedestrian bridges as part of the original plans for the project in 2020 had been shot down for a multitude of reasons.
Malta gears up to ‘Eat for Impact’ to lower nationwide environmental footprint in February
Environmental NGOs bring the sustainability initiative to the island, working with restaurants and the community to increase planet-conscious options
Press Release: Are we prepared for more storms like Harry?
Storm Harry hit our islands hard yesterday. Gale force winds and 12-meter-high waves out at sea caused flooding and damage, especially in low-lying coastal towns like Marsascala. Thankfully no lives were lost in this storm, but there was a glaring lack of preparation to deal with the storm and protect communities.
Looking Back on 2025: Insights and Inspirations as 2026 Begins
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.