8/18/2008 - Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar is very pleased with MEPA's decision announced early this afternoon, to declare the area around Villa Bologna, known as Ta' Fgieni, Attard as a scheduled buffer zone. FAA has campaigned strenuously for the preservation of Villa Bologna and its historic vistas as well as for the open space at Ta’ Fgieni, a campaign which was also supported by members of the Attard Local Council and Alternattiva Demokratika.

This news follows Villa Bologna's listing as a Grade 1 national monument late last month, and now guarantees restricted development of not more then 2 floors above street level within today's declared buffer zone, effectively securing the Villa's vistas, its gardens and surrounding boundary wall. The buffer zone is also going... (Read Full Article)

8/11/2008 - Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) congratulates environmentalists Ing. Marco Cremona and Dr. Alan Deidun for making it to the finals for the prestigious Junior Chamber International (JCI) 2008 Outstanding Young Person of the Year award.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) organises the Outstanding Young Person of the Year award to recognise formally young people who excel in their chosen fields to exemplify the capabilities and talents of the world’s young people. An international jury selected the 30 finalists out of hundreds of nominations from JCI members in over 100 countries. The winners will be announced in November.... (Read Full Article)

8/4/2008 - The importance of placing the citizen and his well-being at the centre of Mepa reform was the main thrust of Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar’s (FAA) discussions during a recent cordial meeting with the Prime Minister and Mr. Austin Walker, Mepa Chairman. FAA emphasised the fact that the country cannot afford to wait the length of time required for a thorough and well-studied reform of MEPA, without interim measures, as more highly damaging permits are being issued all the time. While it is not against development, FAA listed a number of measures that could be enacted almost immediately and independently of MEPA reform, helping to ensure that development is sustainable.

This was reflected in FAA’s stand on the need for a review of the Local Plans. There is no reason why the review should not begin immediately, and FAA emphasised... (Read Full Article)

7/30/2008 - Having seen the updates at MEPA, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar can now inform the public that MEPA’s Planning Director has dubbed the project to excavate St. John’s Street and Square a “non starter” due to the risk of potential damage to the foundations of St John’s Cathedral and reminded the architect that a number of heritage protection entities had already recommended that another building in Valletta be used for the Foundation’s as expansion requirements.

In addition to the planned excavation to create massive underground chambers linking to the ancient water reservoirs there, the St. John’s Foundation is applying to cover over the St. John’s courtyard on Merchants’ Street with a glass ceiling and dome to serve as a visitors’ centre and ticketing booths. On the ground floor of the courtyard... (Read Full Article)

7/29/2008 - Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar is extremely concerned about development application PA 00167/08 to extend St. John`s Museum by constructing a new three-storey building on the courtyard along Merchants Street, to provide extra space as well as a canteen at roof level. The present façade of the Cathedral along Merchants Street will be completely altered by this structure which though postwar has now blended into the context of St John’s. This new structure will be built above the graves of the Knights of the Order. ... (Read Full Article)