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The Climate Emergency

DIN L-ART ĦELWA LAUNCHES CODE RED

The United Nations has issued a Code Red relating to the climate emergency. The UN General Secretary said there was no time to lose and called all nations to act decisively now if an environmental catastrophe is to be averted.

We do not need more evidence that climate change is already with us with fires, heatwaves and flooding occurring throughout the globe at unprecedented levels. Din l-Art Ħelwa, as an environmental NGO, has taken up the challenge to fight for action at a local level and link up with national and international organizations to do this effectively.

Din l-Art Ħelwa is building up its internal capacity and is calling for students, specialists, scientists as well as interested individuals to form part of a core group to take this forward. This group will formulate and implement a strategy to lobby for change with government, the business community and all citizens on a national level. They will be able to tap into the international organizations of which Din l-Art Ħelwa forms part and to work with other NGOs in Malta too.

The executive president of Din l-Art Ħelwa, Alex Torpiano, stated: ‘Din l-Art Helwa is a national NGO which already successfully restores and maintains historical properties, manages nature areas, campaigns for better planning policies and land use, as well as for the conservation of our natural and historical patrimony. It now feels it is its duty to take on the issues of climate change, pollution and biodiversity as one of its core missions. We appeal for volunteers to join us in this.’

Those who wish to know more about this core group dedicated to this specific aim are urged to contact us by sending an email to admin@dinlarthelwa.org. Be a part of the solution – join us now.

Beautiful photos snapped by Tessa Mercieca

Mark Shrimpton, warden at Torri Xutu, fixing up a CCTV camera at the tower

CCTV at Torri Xutu

JOSEPH CALLEJA CHOOSES THE RED TOWER

Renowned tenor Joseph Calleja chose the Red Tower in Mellieha at sunset for his recent interview and recording for a German television travel programme. Joseph Calleja was greeted by Din l-Art Ħelwa Executive President Alex Torpiano and Council Member Joe Farrugia, and signed the visitors book.

Salvatore Mousu

Salvatore was a bundle of energy. Although small in stature he was a whirlwind of energy and activity. He loved the country of his birth and continually mined any source that gave insight to its past. He was willing to share this and took great pleasure in talking about aspects of our history and about Din l-Art Ħelwa’s properties in particular.

I am not clear when he joined Din l-Art Ħelwa, but initially it was to lead the tours and lectures which he started and carried out single-handledly. I can see him now leading a group of people around some site, an electric megaphone tucked under his arm, eyes sparkling as he rattled off its history, peppered with anecdotes and small stories which made it so interesting.

An avid researcher, he would spend hours poring over sources to reveal them triumphantly when we next met. He joined the Din l-Art Ħelwa Council and gave his share of sound advice in resolving the many issues we had - and still have - concerning the environment, land use and our restorations including financing them.

The loss of our patrimony which alas we have had so much of, used to hurt him, which of course is why he joined. Never one to shirk work he was always on hand to help, his humour and energy made him a valued member of the team.

To Antonella his wife and his daughter go our sincere condolences.