Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545479
Nature Notebook Save our shores petition highlights growing pressures on Malta's coastline LAST Friday at 6:30 PM, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) launched its Save Our Shores exhibition and petition in Triton Square, Vallet- ta. The campaign highlights the social and environmental impacts of Malta's growing cruise liner, marina, and shipping industries on coast- al communities and marine ecosystems. The exhibition was launched through a press conference led by FoEM Climate Coordinator Dr Su- zanne Maas, with contributions from Clean Air for the Grand Harbour, Manoel Island: Post Għalina, Wirt Għawdex, and the Marsascala Res- idents Network. Developed through a year-long collaboration between FoEM, photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi, and journalist Julian Delia, the exhibition documents the impacts of pollution, over-commerciali- sation, privatisation, and overtourism on Malta and Gozo's coastlines. The Save Our Shores petition calls for protecting public access to the coast and sea, safeguarding people from pollution, and preserving nat- ural ecosystems. Sign the petition at saveourshores.eu. Green idea of the week 1026 Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Clarinet & Pianoforte Recitals Date: 23 June Location: Aula Mgr. G. Farrugia, Triq Ninu Cremona, Il-Belt Victoria Join us for a Clarinet and Pianoforte Recital featuring Luis Fernández Castelló on clarinet and Francesc Llop- Álvaro on piano. This captivating recital showcases the expressive warmth of the clarinet alongside the rich textures of the piano in a programme that emphasises the beauty and versatility of chamber music. The Aurora International Folk Festival Date: 26-28 June Location: Cathedral Square, Victoria, Gozo Experience the Aurora International Folk Festival in Gozo, where music, dance, and tradition come together in a vibrant celebration of culture. Enjoy colourful performances, lively folk dances, and enchanting melodies in a joyful atmosphere of unity and heritage. Fireworks & Gastronomy Festival Date: 26 June Location:Munxar Square, Triq il- Madonna tal-Karmnu, Il-Munxar Join the 5th Edition of the Fireworks & Gastronomy Festival in Munxar for a spectacular summer evening of synchronised fireworks, delicious food, and live entertainment. Enjoy performances by Kurt Calleja & Band and Cash & Band in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, flavour, and unforgettable festa energy. Xaghra Fig Festival Date: 27 June Location: Xaghra Square, Pjazza l-Vitorja, Ix-Xaghra The Xaghra Fig Festival is a lively summer celebration of local tradition, centred around the rich flavours of the fig. Enjoy authentic tastes, cultural charm, and a warm community atmosphere, with live entertainment and special guests Kantera adding to the festive spirit. Opera in the Capital 2026 Date: 27 June Location: St. George's Square, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta Opera in the Capital 2026 Join us for Opera in the Capital 2026, a spectacular evening of musical brilliance. Featuring renowned Maltese voices Alan Sciberras, Cliff Zammit Stevens, and Marvic Monreal, accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra led by Ryan Paul Abela. Two Springs Date: 2 July to 30 July Location: Malta Society of Arts, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta Two Springs spans 10,000 km, from peach blossoms in rural China to digital studies of Malta's wild flowers — a quiet shift in how we look at the world. Palazzo Parisio: Italianate Style in a Maltese Context Lecture Date: 3 July Location: Pjazza Vittorja, Naxxar, Malta Join art historian Frederica Agius for an exploration of Palazzo Parisio's remarkable transformation under Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna. Discover how Italian architect Carlo Sada, skilled craftsmen, and imported materials combined to create one of Malta's finest examples of 19th century artistic patronage. Zabbar Beer Fest Date: 3 to 5 July Location: Notre Dame Hall, Żabbar, Malta Zabbar Beer Fest 2026 returns for its biggest edition yet beneath Cottonera's historic bastions. Enjoy two nights of live entertainment featuring ATB and Achtung Babies, local artists, local and international beers, food stalls, beer games, family activities and a kids' area. Classic Rock Night Date: 3 July Location: Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta Enjoy an electrifying classic rock night at Pjazza Teatru Rjal with three leading local bands—Lord Adder, SouthBeats, and Blacktones—performing iconic hits under the stars. The BBC Concert Orchestra presents Abba vs. BeeGees Date: 4 July Location: Il-Fosos, Floriana, Malta With 6 years of sold out shows in Malta, BBC Radio 2 and the BBC Concert Orchestra return this year with their biggest headlining concert yet. 1026. Blue rock-thrush HIGH time we revisited one of our best-known birds: the blue rock- thrush. Not because it's particularly common or easy to see – it isn't. The reason it's popular is because in 1971 il-merill was dubbed Malta's national bird, and so found its way into school social stud- ies syllabus, so kids know about this blue beauty quite early on. A valued VIP, the bird gained 'diplomatic immunity', so to speak, and became a protected species. It was a godsend piece of luck, as this resident, non-migratory bird was being hunted (or its nest robbed) to extinction in Malta. As for habitat, well, five years ago I'd have written that it's a bird of open country and seacliffs, where it nests in holes and crevices, disused buildings, etc. It still does, but in re- cent years the blue rock-thrush has had a kind of diaspora into ur- ban areas. Several towns and villages (their quieter quarters at least) nowadays echo to the merill's fluty notes coming from rooftops and solar panels! And we're not complaining. 5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JUNE 2026 ALMANAC Victor Falzon, Aron Tantir (Photo) https://foemalta.org/press-releases/save-our-shores-peti- tion-highlights-growing-pressures-on-maltas-coastline/