Din l-Art

Din l-Art Ħelwa has also created a tool which the public can use to track objections, enabling a growing cohort of people to express their views on various aspects of proposed developments, particularly when these have a negative impact on heritage buildings or on their surroundings and cultural context.

Apart from restoration, the NGO mobilises an army of members and volunteers to help with one-off activities such as clean-ups and treeplantings. It is, for example, one of the entities running Majjistral, which has been a National Park since 2007.

It has also set up a section called Code Red to reach out to the young at heart, who are increasingly active when it comes to the environment and the fight against climate change. Being able to draw on these groups has allowed Din l-Art Ħelwa to take on even more projects, boosted by these eager volunteers.

The fact that it can draw on so much dedication encourages Din l-Art Ħelwa to take on more and more events, from the annual Bir Miftuħ music concert, to open days at its sites and fundraising events.

Remaining financially sustainable is never easy, but it's hard-working and pragmatic approach has enabled it to keep up its momentum. The latest project – a wooden bungalow that was used to train Maltese emigrants to Australia – will cost vast amounts, none of which would be possible without corporate support.

But if you speak to the wardens at the sites, what they recall is the look on visitors’ faces when they enter a tower or chapel, and gaze in awe at the might and the magic of Malta’s amazing legacy.

Find Din l-Art Ħelwa on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Many of its sites have their own pages, which give the latest information on the opening times. You can also become a member, volunteer, leave a donation or simply just talk about us.

www.dinlarthelwa.org

WORDS RAMONA DEPARES