Few issues are so emotional as hunting and trapping. It is easy to be in favour or against. But it is not easy to seek a balanced approach that seeks to strike a balance between nature protection and respect for tradition.

At the outset, I must set the record straight. I am not a hunter. But my responsibility compels me to hear out and understand the arguments forwarded by both sides. Beyond emotions, one must underscore a fact. This government has a political mandate, twice confirmed by universal suffrage, to safeguard traditional hunting and trapping, including in spring. People voting for the government's programme, following the lengthy EU accession negotiations, consented to the conditions negotiated by the Maltese government. Hunting and trapping in spring was part of the package.

Everyone knows that the government never concealed this from the electorate. In fact, the outcome of negotiations on hunting and trapping was debated at length prior to the 2003 referendum.

I would like to recall the final Common Position that sealed our negotiations on hunting and which was adopted on September 27, 2002. It states clearly that "the EU takes note of Malta's statement that it will limit the taking in spring to only two species (Streptopelia turtur and Coturnix coturnix) as an application of the derogation under article 9 of the directive.

"In this context, the EU points out that, according to the directive, certain species may be hunted because of their high population level, geographical distribution and reproductive rate in the Community as a whole to the extent that the limits set by the directive are respected and the population of these species is maintained at satisfactory level."

The Maltese government considers its application of the derogation to be well-founded and within the legal framework of the EU Birds Directive and it is prepared to defend its position even in front of the European Court of Justice.

This directive allows each member state to establish the implementation of the directive and, in particular, any derogation on the basis of scientific evidence and, to this effect, Malta has commissioned an independent study. The government reiterates its stand that it has implemented the Birds Directive and it will ensure that any illegal hunting and trapping are dealt with effectively.

It is unfortunate to note that some tend to be so negative on the issue that they failed to understand the extent of the important decisions taken by the Cabinet to adopt a much tougher policy against those who abuse. This was either overlooked or, at best, given secondary importance.

A quick overview of the revised penalties, based on proposals put forward by Birdlife Malta, highlights the commitment to ensure that a clear message is being sent that hunting and trapping can only be practised within the limits of the law. This week, the Cabinet approved changes to current legislation to give courts the power to revoke permanently the hunting licence and the firearm licence for relapsing offenders.

But amendments also increase fines substantially - up to Lm6,000 - as well as convictions, with imprisonment now increased to as long as two years. I must point out that this is not the first increase by this administration to the penalties regime.

The message cannot be clearer. We will be tough on abusive hunting and trapping practices. I cannot hide my surprise at the fact that Birdlife went as far as criticising even their own proposals! This is exactly the best proof that emotional argumentation leads all stakeholders to forget the rationality in one's arguments that is so needed in such cases.

A number of beaches have now been clearly defined where hunting and trapping are excluded. This list includes Paradise Bay, Armier Bay, Anchor Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna in Malta. The Gozitan beaches include Ramla l-Hamra, San Blas, Xatt l-Ahmar, Mgarr ix-Xini and Xlendi Bay. I must add that other beaches are already designated as free from hunting and trapping given their proximity to main roads.

Even though practised by a minority, one should give due consideration to the fact that hunting and trapping are deeply rooted among our society. It is highly illogical to think that this tradition can be taken away by one single decision. Of course, those who oppose hunting cannot be satisfied with this week's announcements. I appreciate that. But, likewise, I appeal to them to appreciate that we have a political mandate for sustainable hunting and that is exactly what we are trying to implement.

Mr Pullicino is Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment.

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