Din l-Art Ħelwa – The National Trust for Malta

The National Trust for Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa (“This Fair Land”), was founded in July 1965, shortly after the country gained Independence, by Judge Maurice Caruana Curran (1918–2015) and a group of volunteers concerned about the rapid transformation of the islands. Tourism-driven construction was accelerating, while historic buildings and landscapes faced neglect or demolition. In a small island country with many monuments, historic sites shaped by different cultures and ancient landscapes, this responsibility was particularly urgent.

From its early years, Din l-Art Ħelwa focused on awareness-raising and restoration. In 1968, youth members discovered that the medieval chapel of Ħal Millieri was being used as a barn. Its restoration set a precedent for civil society involvement in heritage care. In 1975, during the European Architectural Heritage Year, the organisation saved Wignacourt’s 1610 Watchtower. Over six decades, more than sixty national landmarks and numerous works of art have been restored.

After the Neolithic temple of Mnajdra sustained damage in 2001, Din l-Art Ħelwa campaigned for reform of the 1925 Antiquities Act. The Cultural Heritage Act of 2002 introduced a national heritage regulator and granted NGOs the legal right to care for heritage sites. Seventeen properties are now held in Din l-Art Ħelwa’s guardianship, from medieval chapels and coastal fortifications to a lighthouse and Protestant burial grounds. The organisation reviews around 750 development applications each year and challenges proposals that threaten traditional streetscapes, coastal areas and countryside.

Environmental and community initiatives include the restoration of the historic Msida Bastion Garden. The quality of this intervention was recognised with a Europa Nostra Award in 2002. Foresta 2000 is a thriving Mediterranean woodland created in partnership with the government. In 2007, the Majjistral Nature and History Park was established.

The organisation is self-funded and has raised more than €7 million for restoration, site management, education and advocacy. Each year, over 140,000 visitors access its heritage sites, supported by around 180 volunteers.

Managed by a 15-member volunteer Council and supported by more than 1,800 members, the organisation is based on a tradition of proactive volunteerism. Activities range from conservation and advocacy to youth programmes, heritage maps, festivals, publications and media outreach.

Din l-Art Ħelwa has long been active in international heritage cooperation. It joined Europa Nostra as a Member Organisation in 1967, and its representatives have served on the Europa Nostra’s Council and Board since 2002. Judge Maurice Caruana Curran received a European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2004 for Dedicated Service.

The Awards’ Jury highlighted: “Din l-Art Ħelwa demonstrates a strong and holistic mobilisation of civil society on a voluntary basis, combining restoration work, advocacy, legal reform and public engagement. Its long-term dedication has produced sustained national impact and stands as an impressive example of committed heritage stewardship.”

Contact: Rosanne Zerafa | Din l-Art Ħelwa National Trust for Malta | admin@dinlarthelwa.org | www.dinlarthelwa.org