12/24/2006 - A year ago, the “one small woman” from Sliema galvanised civil society to take to the streets in defence of the environment in 2006, was unknown to the public. What finally spurred Astrid Vella to action was the demolition of Sliema’s oldest house, in High Street, waging a relentless campaign against its pulling down. “If MEPA had not issued that permit, I think this civil society movement would not have started. This case was indicative: when developers have enough leverage, things are done their way,” Vella says. The uproar against MEPA’s decision to allow the demolition, in breach of ten MEPA regulations and two laws, helped to spur the new movement Flimkien ghall-Ambjent Ahjar, into action....(Read Full Article)

11/15/2006 - This paper explores the social and economic implications of Malta's heritage, which indicates that the Maltese currently feel that heritage is a key component of the tourism industry but is a somewhat dead and alien to our daily modern lives; heritage (in its physical form) is tolerable and acceptable as long as it is functional; it is appreciated best if appropriated as a private good; but insufferable if it clashes with private and individual interests....(Read Full Article)

9/30/2006 - Nahseb li ma naf lil hadd li jghid li l-ambjent f'pajjizna ma jinsabx f'qaghda hazina. In-Nordici jhobbu jitkellmu fuq it-temp meta ma jkollhomx xi jghidu; ahna nimlew l-ispazju imbarazzanti bejn zewg persuni li ma jafux x'se jaqbdu jghidu lil xulxin bi stqarrijiet dwar l-ambjent u l-politika li ghal min ma jafx il-Maltin jinstemghu tassew radikali u forsi anki rivoluzzjonarji. Timmagina li dak li jkun se johrog mil-lift, jew jitlaq mit-tieg lest ghall-glied, sa l-ahhar nifs, favur il-fidwa ta' l-ambjent naturali u l-wirt arkitettoniku Malti. Timmagina li dan il-poplu ta' opinjonisti kapaci jaqleb Malta ta' taht fuq....(Read Full Article)

8/22/2006 - Having left Mepa only recently after a decade or so working there, Bjorn Bonello explains to Mark Micallef what it is like from within. Since its inception, some 16 years ago, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (then the Planning Authority) has seen its fair share of controversy....(Read Full Article)

8/11/2006 - His mountain strolls, his walks through woods, the silent contemplations on the countryside, the prayers when coming face to face with the magnificence of the Dolomites. All this reflected a love and respect towards nature which John Paul II manifested and nourished throughout the course of his Pontificate....(Read Full Article)