- Julian Manduca
Julian Manduca (born
2 July 1958 ) was one of the foremost environmentalists inMalta . He was part of the management team of an ethical trade organisation and consultant editor with liberal and pro-environment newspaperMaltaToday . He died suddenly on18 May 2005 inMalta .A former
Friends of the Earth activist, Manduca never feared in expressing his concerns in a country where the urban sprawl has eaten away most of the natural terrain, criticising adverse political decisions that favoured building magnates rather than the silent countryside. Active with the Maltese Green PartyAlternattiva Demokratika , in 1992 he chained himself with fourteen others at the gates of theAuberge de Castille , the Maltese Premier's office, in protest against Malta's shameful electoral system due to its 16% threshold.Malta remains the onlyEuropean Union country with only two parties represented in parliament.Nicknamed Choppy, he was known for his commitment to the
University of Malta Film Club. He was married to German actressIrene Christ . In 2002, together with Christ, he co-founded the theatrical groupActinghouse Productions . [ [http://www.actinghouseproductions.com Actinghouse Productions ] ]His loss was the second in a short spell amongst committed Maltese environmentalists, following the demise of Greenpeace activist
Maggie Borg . Maltese rock bandDripht dedicated their album "Global Warning" to both environmentalists. His drive, honesty, openess and commitment have inspired many other Maltese environmentalists to carry on the crusade against over development on the Maltese Islands.In 2006
Malta Today launched TheJulian Manduca Award , for cultural, literary and environmental endeavours. These awards went toFriends of the Earth (Malta) ,Walter Micallef andKarl Schembri .References
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