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"A place for us" - How Maltese Activists Reclaimed Manoel Island

Reese, Cynthia LU (2026) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20261
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Malta’s construction boom has resulted an increase in urban density and a decrease in green spaces over recent years. To combat this, in 2025 the social movement Post Għalina launched a campaign to transform Manoel Island, a largely undeveloped island near Valletta, into a national park. This thesis employs a qualitative case study utilizing social movement theory to examine Post Għalina’s creation, evolution, and eventual success. By employing positive framing on the benefits of green spaces and creating a broad coalition of NGOs, Post Għalina achieved Malta’s second largest parliamentary petition ever, resulting in state intervention and the withdrawal of development plan. This research shows that through positive framing large... (More)
Malta’s construction boom has resulted an increase in urban density and a decrease in green spaces over recent years. To combat this, in 2025 the social movement Post Għalina launched a campaign to transform Manoel Island, a largely undeveloped island near Valletta, into a national park. This thesis employs a qualitative case study utilizing social movement theory to examine Post Għalina’s creation, evolution, and eventual success. By employing positive framing on the benefits of green spaces and creating a broad coalition of NGOs, Post Għalina achieved Malta’s second largest parliamentary petition ever, resulting in state intervention and the withdrawal of development plan. This research shows that through positive framing large coalitions can be mobilized to protect urban green spaces. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Reese, Cynthia LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Coalitions, Construction Boom, Framing Processes, Political Opportunity, Space Conflicts, Sustainability Science, Urban Parks
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2026:023
language
English
id
9231751
date added to LUP
2026-06-05 16:20:40
date last changed
2026-06-05 16:20:40
@misc{9231751,
  abstract     = {{Malta’s construction boom has resulted an increase in urban density and a decrease in green spaces over recent years. To combat this, in 2025 the social movement Post Għalina launched a campaign to transform Manoel Island, a largely undeveloped island near Valletta, into a national park. This thesis employs a qualitative case study utilizing social movement theory to examine Post Għalina’s creation, evolution, and eventual success. By employing positive framing on the benefits of green spaces and creating a broad coalition of NGOs, Post Għalina achieved Malta’s second largest parliamentary petition ever, resulting in state intervention and the withdrawal of development plan. This research shows that through positive framing large coalitions can be mobilized to protect urban green spaces.}},
  author       = {{Reese, Cynthia}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{"A place for us" - How Maltese Activists Reclaimed Manoel Island}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}