Tag: BirdLife Malta
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Illegal turtle-dove hunting surges across Malta ahead of Spring season, says BirdLife Malta
Malta is facing a sharp rise in illegal hunting activity, particularly targeting the vulnerable turtle-dove species, according to a statement by BirdLife Malta. The organisation reports that since the start of its Spring Watch on 10th April, gunshots have been heard daily across both Malta and Gozo, despite the spring hunting season for turtle-doves not…
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NGOs, academics and citizens demand emergency protection for British Barracks at Fort Chambray
A coalition of environmental and heritage NGOs, supported by hundreds of citizens including leading academics, historians, and artists, has applied formally for an Emergency Conservation Order regarding the British Barracks at Fort Chambray in Gozo. This follows several calls to schedule the 19th-century building with a view to saving it from demolition that fell on…
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Illegal hunting in Malta’s protected bird sanctuaries sparks urgent need for action
Two cases of illegal hunting were reported in Malta‘s protected bird sanctuaries, namely Buskett and Comino, this month, raising an alarm for lax enforcement of conservation laws. BirdLife Malta had reported both incidents to authorities, stressing that more monitoring and protection were needed in these areas. On 22nd November, hunters were caught in the Buskett sanctuary following woodcocks. Shotguns were confiscated by the Environmental Protection Unit and charges will be brought against the offenders. On 27th November, a hunter accompanied by dogs was filmed on Comino, yet another protected zone. The…
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BirdLife Malta responds to FKNK allegations, defends Ringing Scheme’s credibility
BirdLife Malta has filed a robust denial to claims made by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK), alleging that BirdLife was not cooperating with foreign bird ringers. BirdLife Malta, in a statement issued on Tuesday responding to allegations made elsewhere about its treatment of overseas researchers, insisted it has never refused scientists…
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Vacation marred by disturbing gunfire and animal cruelty in Gozo: Tourist urges action
A group of seven tourists from Estonia and the Netherlands have shared their shocking experience during a vacation in Gozo, highlighting serious concerns over gun violence, animal cruelty, and public safety. The group, who stayed in Nadur from 28th October to 2nd November, reported being disturbed by relentless gunshots and an alarming discovery of bird…
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Environment NGOs endorse BirdLife Malta’s call to European Commissioner for Environment to uphold rule of law in Malta
Eight Maltese environmental NGOs, led by BirdLife Malta, are urging the European Commission to enforce an EU court ruling that found Malta guilty of breaching the Birds Directive. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling, issued on 19th September, ordered Malta to stop granting “research derogations” that allow finch trapping, but the government reopened the…
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BirdLife Malta launches citizen-led campaign to combat illegal Finch trapping ccross Malta and Gozo
BirdLife Malta (BLM) has unveiled a new citizen-driven campaign aimed at exposing and preventing the illegal trapping of protected bird species in Malta and Gozo, challenging what it describes as the government’s misuse of “research” as a cover for continued trapping practices. The campaign seeks to empower the public with resources to identify and report…
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BirdLife Malta’s open letter to the EU on illegal finch trapping
BirdLife Malta has sent an open letter which appeals to EU Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič to take urgent action against the illegal trapping of finches in Malta. The letter explains that despite Malta’s commitment in the EU Accession Treaty to gradually phase out trapping by 2009, the government reintroduced this practice in 2014 through…