Malta is blessed with rich heritage with a unique claim to the seat of civilisation. The ancient temples of Malta are evidence of a well organised culture here 7,000 years ago, pre-dating the pyramids of Egypt.
It is possible that the islands have been devoid of inhabitants at intervals since the temple building period, but there is no doubt about the population pressures today. Rapid modernisation over the last few decades, development and pollution threaten much of what has survived over the ages. The adoption of globalised attitudes amongst the young may gradually wipe out the distinctive features of life in Malta - such as sociability, traditional activities, village pride and national identity.
An awareness of local heritage may yet balance the pressures of modern life whilst helping us to learn from the past and plan for the future. FWA is conscious that heritage is both precious and fragile, it cannot be manufactured or replicated at will.
Preserving valuable elements of the past is thus the mission of FWA. Engaging more Maltese as visitors, members or volunteers is vital to our future; it is not enough for FWA to run highly successful tourist venue, if we fail to safeguard ‘heritage in peril’.
FWA has many supporters and partners campaigning to save these heritage sites, these are as follows:
The volunteers and members of FWA have privileged access to our many heritage sites, whereby they can share the excitement and camaraderie of our work. Caring for our heritage is a rewarding activity through which to meet other interesting people. With one family membership one may have free access to all FWA managed sites.
Our dedicated staff and sponsors are the heart of the organisation since it is a self financing charity; ensuring that our tourism sites are open regularly and ensure to provide a unique experience. Some FWA venues are available for family or corporate entertainment bookings; preferential rates are given to sponsors. FWA benefits from gifts and legacies to support our work.
There is a wealth of active Voluntary Organisations in Malta as shown in the list maintained at www.mepa.org.mt/heritageorganisations. Some of the most prominent VOs (also known as NGOs) have been entrusted with preservation and maintenance of state property on condition that such sites are appropriately used and available to the public according to the terms agreed. FWA manages several important sites on this basis – most notatably the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, the Notre Dame Gate at Vittoriosa; Fort Rinella in Kalkara and the Malta at War museum in Birgu. (Soon also Lascaris war rooms in Valletta)
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority includes a Scheduling section that will identify places (houses, open spaces and vistas) worthy of special protection regardless of ownership. Details on scheduling are available at www.mepa.org.mt/malta-scheduled-property; suggestions and alerts can be submitted online. Scheduling a property only acknowledges its heritage status, but cannot guarantee protection from destruction or detrimental planning decisions. MEPA has a 24 hour hotline for reports of unauthorised building / demolition activities which is 2069 9595 and a process of public consultation on all new planning applications.
EU and other regional political/economic powers – after joining the EU in 2004, some Regional Development Funds have been provided for heritage projects such as the RE.VI.VE initiative of FWA. Such funding is welcome, but carries severe administrative burdens for a Voluntary Organisation.
UNESCO and other international cultural entities – there are a number (7) of official World Heritage Sites in Malta and Gozo; composing of Valletta, the Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum and the Megalithic Temples of Malta composed of Ggantija, Mnajdra, Hagar Qim, Skorba and Ta’ Hagrat. The value of this ‘protection’ is that national pressures should not prevail over commercial interests when it comes to the care of such important sites. Sadly this passive protection cannot prevent harm from pollution, violence or visual intrusion.
FWA will be holding a General Meeting for its members, at which those interested in taking an active role in the management of policies or projects are welcome to make representations. The above summary is intended to indicate the various interest groups, prime sites and activities under way to protect our ‘heritage in peril’.
Comments on this subject are welcome and may be directed to