Over 260 UoM Academics Urge For Manoel Island To Become Public Park
267 academics and professionals from the University of Malta have joined the nation-wide calls to turn Manoel Island into a public park, saying that it is critical for the country to preserve what’s left of its public greenery.
MIDI – the company behind the controversial development – said yesterday that it is committed to finding a solution for Manoel Island to be returned to the government after months of public opposition to the approved plans.“This is an opportunity; not just as a legal obligation, but as a chance to reflect the country’s urgent needs and current public priorities within nature-based solutions,” they wrote.
The statement pointed out the ecological importance of Malta, explaining that it is at the centre of the Mediterranean basin which is recognised as a climate change and biodiversity hotspot.
“In the face of intensifying climate and ecological crises, the preservation of remaining green spaces is not optional; it is crucial. Manoel Island, uniquely located within one of Malta’s most urbanised zones (Sliema and Gżira), represents a rare and irreplaceable socio-ecological asset.”
Efforts should further prioritise the planting and conservation of native (indigenous and endemic) trees, bushes, and plants which are best adapted to Malta’s climate, support local biodiversity, and require fewer resources to thrive, the academics added. This wold both enhance the ecological importance of Manoel Island but also reinforce its identity as a truly Maltese natural space.
“This initiative also offers opportunities for cultural ecological conservation, honouring Manoel Island’s historical past, alongside afforestation and environmental stewardship.”
In calling for Manoel Island to be transformed into a public nature reserve and cultural heritage park, the academics highlight how urban green spaces are proven to support mental and physical health, reducing rates of obesity, stress, and depression, improve air quality, urban cooling, and biodiversity preservation and provide spaces for physical activity, recreation, and social cohesion.
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The cost of reclaiming Manoel Island should be reframed as a future-oriented public investment, as this would yield long- term returns in the form of improved public health, tourism rooted in cultural and ecological assets, with enhanced urban resilience. Unlike luxury apartment developments accessible to a privileged few, a protected Manoel Island offers widespread, equitable benefits across generations.
“Investing in nature, mental health, and community space should be a national priority over private developments and therefore strikes as sound governance.”
Apart from calling for action in supporting the area, the academics argue how the development agreement with MIDI was signed more than two decades ago, when Malta’s socio-economic realities were very different. Several areas have improved through economic growth, however, this growth came at an expense of Malta’s natural and architectural heritage. Signatories of the statement went on to recommend three proposals to the Maltese government:
- Reassesses the Manoel Island concession considering unfulfilled contractual obligations by MIDI,
- Reclaims the site for public ownership and use, under the stewardship of a publicly accountable environmental and cultural agency,
- Designates Manoel Island as a protected socio-ecological zone, integrating ecological restoration, historical preservation, and community health outcomes.
Should Manoel Island be turned into a public park?
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