WATCH: How Friends of the Earth Malta is Cultivating a Sustainable Future
The Team
Emily A. Francis visited Friends of the Earth Malta, exploring their urban garden, initiatives on sustainable farming, and activism promoting environmental education, local agriculture, and biodiversity conservation in Malta.
Malta is a small island with limited space and high levels of development, which often makes it difficult for people without their own land to grow food. Despite these challenges, there are still ways to cultivate your own food, even in urban environments. Whether you’re looking to grow your own produce or get involved in activism around land use and local agriculture, one organisation that’s making a significant difference is Friends of the Earth Malta.
Located in the heart of Floriana, Friends of the Earth Malta has created a truly inspiring outdoor urban garden. Rather than relying on large fields or open rural spaces, they have cleverly maximised the limited area available to them, transforming it into a horticultural adventure full of sustainable farming techniques. Their mission is not only to educate the public about how to grow food in various living situations, but also to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our ecosystems and the environment. Friends of the Earth Malta aims to promote environmental education and activism on a global scale, striving to create a world that is more peaceful, just, equitable, and sustainable. As part of their official mission, their goal is to “be the human voice of the Earth, advocating for change and promoting solutions that respect present and future generations.”
Team Members and Initiatives
We had the opportunity to speak with Martin Galea De Giovanni, the founding member and director of Friends of the Earth Malta, as well as Damjan Attard, the Food, Agriculture & Biodiversity campaign coordinator, and Michelangelo Galea, who is responsible for maintaining the gardens and environmental facilities. We also met Maria Eileen Fsadni, the communications coordinator, and Annalise Falzon, project assistant and an expert forager.
Friends of the Earth Malta works on a variety of environmental campaigns and initiatives, focusing on key issues such as:
- Food, agriculture, and biodiversity – Educating people on sustainable farming practices and the importance of biodiversity.
- Climate, energy, and mobility – Promoting solutions for a cleaner, greener energy future.
- Zero waste – Advocating for waste reduction and more sustainable consumption patterns.
- Youth – Engaging younger generations in environmental activism.
- Comino – Focusing on preserving the unique natural environment of Comino Island.
Emily A. Francis
The Farmers Map
One of the standout initiatives developed by Friends of the Earth Malta is their innovative Farmers Map, which covers both Malta and Gozo. This interactive map allows you to input your location and find nearby farmers who grow fresh produce. This initiative aims to lower the carbon footprint of food production, while encouraging local consumption of healthier, sustainably grown food. By supporting local farmers, you’re contributing to a more resilient and sustainable food system. You can access the Farmers Map here: http://www.maltafarmmap.org
Community Gardens
Another major focus of Friends of the Earth Malta is their community garden projects. These gardens provide a hands-on space for people of all ages to engage with nature, learn about sustainable food systems, and contribute to a greener urban environment. Participants are involved in activities like planting, composting, and garden maintenance, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and community action.
The community gardens not only encourage local biodiversity and promote food sovereignty, but they also serve as platforms for environmental education and social inclusion. These gardens bring together people from all walks of life – from young children to elderly community members – showing how urban spaces can be transformed into hubs of ecological and social resilience. Each session ends with a shared meal, often prepared using fresh produce harvested from the garden. This reinforces the value of eating local, seasonal food, while also strengthening community bonds and celebrating the collective effort in creating a sustainable urban space.
Comino Project
In addition to their work in urban areas, Friends of the Earth Malta is also leading an exciting project to restore a historic building on Comino Island, with the goal of transforming it into a unique environmental center for visitors. The project seeks to preserve the island’s natural beauty while providing an educational hub for those interested in sustainability and the environment.
To support this initiative, Friends of the Earth Malta has launched a survey to gather public opinions on the environmental challenges facing Comino. The survey is part of the PRO-COAST project, a European Union initiative involving nine universities that evaluates local environmental actions. By completing the survey, you can help shape the future of Comino and contribute valuable insights into preserving its sustainable ecosystem.
To participate in the survey and share your views on Comino Island, visit their website here!
