Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that Manoel Island and Fort Tigné will be returned to the people. This is not just good news; in my view, it is a decision that reflects what good politics should be about, improving people’s quality of life, preserving our identity, and building a better future for our country together.

I was just four years old when the Maltese Government, under the administration of Eddie Fenech Adami, signed a 99-year concession with MIDI. In recent years, activists have kept this issue alive, sparking a national call on the importance of safeguarding Manoel Island from development and returning it to the public Today, that call has been answered. Robert Abela has delivered on his commitment that these sites will be given back to the people.

From what has been reported, the Government demonstrated strong negotiation skills. While the consortium initially requested €78 million, an agreement was ultimately reached for nearly half that amount, also including Fort Tigné. This is a result that reflects both strategic negotiation and a clear commitment to the public interest.

As someone who has had the privilege of engaging with young people both locally and internationally, including through my work with the Young European Socialists as its first Maltese Vice-President, I have consistently encountered a clear expectation: we need to be more ambitious when it comes to sustainability, public spaces, and long-term planning.

Returning these areas to public use presents a unique opportunity to rethink how we approach such spaces. It is not just about access, although access is fundamental, but also about how we design, preserve, and integrate these areas into our communities in a way that enhances quality of life while respecting their historical and environmental value.

In a country like ours, where natural and open spaces are limited, protecting what we already have is just as important as reclaiming what we can.

My experience in policy discussions at both national and European levels has shown me that sustainability is most effective when it is rooted in decision-making from the start. It is not an afterthought, nor a box to be ticked. It must actively shape the outcomes we deliver.

Following the Government’s announcement regarding Manoel Island and Fort Tigné, I received messages from environmental activists who welcomed the news with genuine enthusiasm. One message, in particular, stayed with me: “this win is a win for the people.”

At the same time, an important point was raised in that conversation. While initiatives like this are essential, we must also recognise that not all environmental progress requires significant human intervention. In some cases, the most responsible approach is to allow nature the space and time it needs to regenerate on its own.

This is particularly relevant as the Government has launched a nationwide consultation process to shape our public spaces, ensuring that these areas reflect the expectations and needs of our communities. 

The same approach should guide other ongoing initiatives, including those at White Rocks, Fort Campbell, and Fort San Salvatur. The latter is especially close to me, as it is an area I know well from my early years, having attended primary school just a few metres away in Birgu.

Ultimately, this moment should serve as a reminder of what is possible when public interest, political leadership, and societal expectations align. It shows that change can happen. Now, our responsibility is to build on this momentum. This is indeed a win for the people, but it is also a commitment to future generations. 

Author: Georvin Bugeja is a lawyer and former President of Labour Youth who served as the first Maltese Vice-President of the Young European Socialists.