Desecrated bird sanctuaries

Publicity is in full swing, anticipating rave and other night-time parties at Paradise Bay, Buskett Gardens and Ta' Qali, among others.

These events offer the glitter of fun and games. In fact, they are big money opportunities for brazen business interests.

Ta' Qali and Buskett Gardens are officially designated as bird sanctuaries. Paradise Bay and the Cirkewwa area is the nesting place of Malta's national bird - il-merill.

At each rave party, and in the surrounding areas, there will be plenty of light, movement and noise to disturb the birds in the breeding season. But no one has raised his or her voice in protest, notwithstanding the fact that activity of this nature in bird sanctuaries is flagrantly in breach of the law of Malta and of EU directives. On the contrary, the fact that these activities are being openly advertised suggests that the relevant police permits have been issued. And BirdLife, Nature Trust and other environment groups are seemingly more interested in zeroing in on hunters than on bird protection.

In like manner, the responsible Maltese ministers appear to have other fish to fry.

Is the EU Commissioner responsible for the environment and its protection equally indifferent? Who keeps a watching brief to ensure that the writ of Brussels extends meaningfully to our shores? Or is EU interest in Malta only a one-way street?