The non-governmental organisation Wirt Ghawdex was founded in 1981. It primarily aims at fostering the knowledge of and safeguarding the natural, archaeological, historical and anthropological patrimony of the islands of Gozo and Comino. Initiatives for the protection of Gozo’s heritage include active participation in discussions and policy decisions taken by the authorities in respect of restoration, rehabilitation, management and increasing public awareness of sites of historic and ecological value – the island’s patrimony. Public lectures, seminars, cultural tours in Gozo, Malta, Comino and even Sicily, special educational programmes for school children, as well as many popular fund-raising activities in aid of its projects, have been organised by the society. Occasionally, a limited number of publications related to Gozo, including prints, are also produced. The vast array of subjects discussed cover various aspects of the natural and cultural heritage of the isle of Calypso. Wirt Ghawdex is  a full member with the Commissioner for Voluntary  Organizations  ( VO/ 0227) and the Gozo NGO’s Association.

Wirt Ghawdex has also embarked on major restoration and rehabilitation projects, namely the 17th century coastal watch tower of Mgarr ix-Xini, the late medieval chapel of Santa Cecilia in Ghajnsielem, St. John’s Demi-bastion and the Gunpowder Magazine at the Citadel, and the Dghajsa tal-Latini. While most of these projects are undertaken with the collaboration of the Ministry for Gozo, other sponsors include the Gozo Channel for the Dghajsa tal-Latini and The Baron Group for the St. Cecilia Chapel.