Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) is reflecting on 20 years since the passing of a core founding member, Julian Manduca. The NGO looks back with deep gratitude at the roots of the organisation, and to the people who shaped it. At the heart of its story stands Julian, a tireless activist, and a fearless voice for social and environmental justice in Malta.
Press Releases
Press Release: Over 1700kg of waste collected on Comino in 6 hours
On Saturday, 17th May, Friends of the Earth Malta collaborated with Din L-Art Ħelwa and the Malta Environmental Foundation on a clean-up activity in the area surrounding the old bakery on Comino.
Malta’s Transport Future: Spotlight on Micromobility
Monday 16 September marked the start of European Mobility Week (EMW) – the European Commission’s yearly awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility. However, we observed complete radio silence from our government, when the urgency to promote sustainable mobility in Malta has never been greater.
Together for Comino – Organisations seek public support to appeal the approval of hotel and villas in a nature reserve
Ten organisations are seeking the public’s support to appeal against the shameful approval of PA/04777/20, which involves the development of a 140-bed luxury hotel, 16 villas, and 44 swimming pools on Comino.
We believe that we have a strong legal basis to challenge the Planning Authority’s decision, but we need the public’s help to raise the €20,000 required to pursue this legal battle.
Let’s Reclaim Manoel Island for People and Nature – Sign the Petition Today!
Press statement in support of Żurrieq Farmers’ urgent call for the Lands Authority to revoke consent for Development on Tal-Bebbux agricultural land.
Żurrieq farmers urgently call on Lands Authority to withdraw consent for development on agricultural land in Tal-Bebbux
Press statement in support of Żurrieq Farmers’ urgent call for the Lands Authority to revoke consent for Development on Tal-Bebbux agricultural land.
International Zero Waste Day – What That Means for You
Clothing and textile businesses can do their part by designing products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. They can make efforts to reduce production volumes, use sustainable materials, and minimise use of chemicals.
Celebrating 40 Years of Environmental Advocacy, Education, and Action!
Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) proudly marks its 40th anniversary in 2025, celebrating four decades of unwavering commitment to environmental justice, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1985 as Żgħażagħ Għall-Ambjent (Youths for the Environment), the organisation has grown into a leading voice for sustainability and environmental protection in Malta.
Open Letter: Conserving the night sky of Dwejra, Gozo
Dwejra is a dark sky haven treasured by scientists and the general public alike. Light pollution at the site is threatening its ecosystem, and hampers the efforts of students and scientists to study our Universe. Together with a number of other signatories, we are publishing this open letter to the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Gozo and Planning demanding that all lights remain switched off after sunset, such that Dwejra remains dark all night long.
Renewable Energy Communities in Malta? ‘People Power Up’ Report launched by Friends of the Earth Malta
Friends of the Earth Malta launched a new report ‘People Power Up - Renewable Energy Communities in Malta’, focused on community energy. Renewable energy communities are community organisations in which households and families, but also SMEs and local authorities, can co-own and implement renewable energy projects.
Prioritize Public Transport, Not Private Car Subsidies!
Government’s secret decision to shift European Union funds from electrification of public buses to private cars has not been communicated with or approved by the European Commission. Environmental NGOs Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota encourage people to speak up and sign the parliamentary petition to demand a democratic discussion on this proposed shift of public funding from public to private transport.
EU Competitiveness Compass must safeguard social and environmental protections
Friends of the Earth Malta is among over 270 civil society organisations, trade unions, consumer groups, farmers organisations, civil rights groups and environmental organisations representing millions of citizens, who call on European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen to shun deregulation and prioritise the protection of people, nature, and democracy in its decision-making processes. This warning comes ahead of the announcement of the EU Competitiveness Compass, which is supposed to guide the EU's efforts in enhancing its "economic competitiveness".