Across Malta, a quiet transformation is taking place.

Abandoned land and neglected urban spaces are being turned into vibrant parks and gardens in a shift that prioritises quality, community, and sustainability, offering Maltese families spaces where they can relax, connect, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Green open spaces are essential for mental and physical health, fostering social interaction and providing much-needed breathing room in an increasingly urbanised environment. The importance of open spaces goes beyond aesthetics.

In just two years we've already created over 105,000 square metres of open space for families, as a Ministry alone. By the end of this year, an additional 40,000 square metres of open space will be accessible to the public. An achievement with real, tangible benefits for Maltese families.

Large-scale projects like the conversion of the Sant'Antnin recycling plant into a public park illustrate the ambition driving these efforts. This industrial site, once dedicated to waste processing, will become a family-friendly space linked to the existing Sant'Antnin Park. It's a vision of how we can reimagine land use to prioritise community needs over industrial or commercial interests. In fact, 8,000 square metres of developable land will also be turned into green spaces in four different localities; Luqa, Kirkop, St. Julian's and Lija.

Other projects, though smaller in scale, are just as significant. In Pembroke, a concrete plot is being turned into a garden, while in Santa Luċija, an abandoned site is becoming a green space. Across Malta, the goal remains the same; to ensure every community has access to an open space within a ten-minute walk. As promised.

These spaces are being designed with community needs -- but also sustainability -- in mind. From the materials used to the energy systems implemented, the focus is on creating projects that benefit both the environment and the people who use them. In Marsa, Spencer Garden is being transformed into a modern, sustainable park, while hundreds of new trees and shrubs are being planted across multiple sites.

Another striking aspect of these efforts is their inclusivity. Projects like the garden we'll soon open in collaboration with Hospice Malta. Located in a development scheme, this site will serve as a sanctuary for palliative care patients and their families, offering them moments of peace in an environment that prioritises dignity and serenity. A project with a social heart -- because open spaces are not just about greening. They are also about humanity.

These are investments in our communities, in Malta's future. Green spaces improve health, enhance mental well-being, and provide opportunities for physical activity. They strengthen communities by creating places where people can come together, and they contribute to a more balanced, sustainable approach to development.

Visiting the newly completed Ġnien tal-Glażiż in Birgu, it's easy to see the impact. Once an overlooked, inaccessible area, it's now a lively park where families and children can play and explore. This is the kind of transformation that reflects what open spaces can achieve. A physical change, and a social one.

118 projects are underway of which 19 are set to be completed next year -- by Project Green alone. The momentum is building. This is a coordinated effort to make green, accessible spaces part of the fabric of Maltese life.

The impact of green projects is profound. These projects are about creating a better Malta for future generations; a country where quality is prioritised, where development is balanced with sustainability, and where families can thrive.

This is the vision driving the transformation; a greener, better Malta where communities have the space they deserve to grow, connect, and enjoy life. These are the efforts that can truly make Malta a quality place to live.