NGOs hail deceased journalist's love for nature

Two environmental NGOs, Din l-Art Helwa and Friends of the Earth (Malta), have paid tribute to journalist Julian Manduca, who died suddenly last week.

Tribute to Mr Manduca was paid this week during the Bir Miftuh Music Festival and during a recent council meeting by his colleagues in Din l-Art Helwa.

Mr Manduca served for some time on the council of Din l-Art Helwa and on its youth movement before establishing Zghazagh ghall-Ambjent and going on to set up Friends of the Earth (Malta).

He was a close friend of many of its members and especially those, who, like him, were the first to stand up for environmental issues, Din l-Art Helwa said.

It said he will be remembered by his colleagues at the organisation for his valiant commitment to the defence of all green issues, his tireless lobbying for the correct use of land and to bring about a change in Malta's outdated rent laws.

His contribution to the preservation of Malta's natural heritage will not be forgotten and his example will continue to inspire and re-energise all those who share his love for his country and its natural beauty, Din l-Art Helwa said.

The committee and volunteers of Friends of the Earth (Malta) expressed their sincere gratitude to Mr Manduca's wife and family for their noble gesture to request donations to FoE (Malta). The understanding, strength and support portrayed by his family, even at such trying moments, were surely reflected in his wonderful and unique attributes, it said.

"Being one of the founders of Zghazagh ghall-Ambjent which years later became Friends of the Earth (Malta), Julian was synonymous with the environment scene, particularly within civil society, both locally and further afar. FoE (Malta) feels honoured to have benefited from Julian's dedicated volunteer work for more than two decades. It will try its best to emulate his sense of leadership, commitment and perseverance in protecting the environment for the good of all," it said.

Friends of the Earth said Mr Manduca's loss undoubtedly left a void within the committee and volunteers because his ideals served as inspiration to most. It pledged to remain committed to carry on in its endeavours to bring environmental justice by working on campaigns and projects to safeguard the environment.