‘Post Għalina’: Over 25 Organisations Launch Petition To Turn Manoel Island Into A Public Park
More than 25 organisations from across Malta and Gozo have joined forces to call on the government to transform Manoel Island into a national public park, as the agreement between the state and developers is currently being renegotiated.
The campaign, titled Manoel Island: Post Għalina, officially kicks off this Saturday 29th March at 10am with a public event on the island itself, inviting families, communities and supporters to gather and send a clear message: Manoel Island belongs to the people.
A parliamentary petition has also been launched in tandem with the campaign, urging the Maltese Parliament to return the site to public ownership and reimagine it as a green space accessible to all. You can sign the petition here.
The campaign comes at a pivotal time, as the concession agreement between the Maltese government and developer MIDI is currently under renegotiation.
Originally signed 25 years ago, the agreement handed over Manoel Island for the development of luxury residences, commercial buildings, and tourism infrastructure.
Under the terms of the contract, MIDI must complete 85% of works by March 2026 — but they have yet to obtain full development permits, and campaigners argue that Malta has changed significantly since the 1990s.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” activists said. “We can reshape the future of Manoel Island — not for profit, but for people.”
Located in Malta’s most urbanised and polluted area, Manoel Island sits at the heart of the North Harbour region, home to over 150,000 residents. With severe traffic congestion, dense construction, and an alarming lack of green spaces, campaigners argue the island is perfectly positioned to become a national park.
More than just a local issue for Gżira, organisers are calling this a national priority — a rare chance to improve mental and physical wellbeing, protect the environment, and offer future generations a much-needed breath of fresh air.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar and Moviment Graffitti, with backing from a diverse list of over 25 community groups, including BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth Malta, the Richmond Foundation, PEN Malta, Nature Trust, and resident associations from Sliema, Marsaskala and Valletta.
“This campaign is about unity,” they said. “It’s about hope. And it’s about making Manoel Island a place where everyone — not just a few — can feel at home.”
The event on Saturday will feature activities for children and families, community discussions, and the formal presentation of the campaign’s primary demand: that Manoel Island be returned to public ownership and converted into a green, inclusive public park.
Activists are urging the public to show up, speak up, and sign the petition. With the concession under review and the future of Manoel Island hanging in the balance, they say now is the time to act.
“This isn’t just about stopping development. It’s about building something better — for everyone.”
Will you be attending this event tomorrow?
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