EU Life Nature Fund head visits Mellieha project

Philip Owen, the head of the EU Life Nature Fund, visited the Yelkouan Shearwater Project site at Rdum tal-Madonna, Mellieha, to see how the funds are being spent.

Mr Owen, in Malta to promote the launch of a new European funding stream, Life+, took the opportunity to witness the positive work being carried out by BirdLife Malta and the Yelkouan Shear-water project team, which is half-funded under the current Life programme.

The Yelkouan Shearwater project (www.lifeshearwaterproject.org.mt) is the largest conservation initiative of its kind in Malta and receives generous funds from the HSBC Cares for the Environment Fund, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, seven project partners and the EU.

During Mr Owen's visit, the team was able to show him the new project sign, which replaces the one vandalised shortly after the launch of the project last March.

He also visited the area where the Yelkouan Shearwaters breed, and John J. Borg of Heritage Malta explained the groundbreaking research being carried out.

"Mr Owen's visit is an excellent opportunity for the project team to show one of the top people in European funding the importance of the conservation work in Malta," BirdLife Malta president Joseph Mangion said.

"The islands have around 10 per cent of the world's population of Yelkouan Shearwaters, so it is critical at an international level that we protect them," he added.

While in Malta, Mr Owen also addressed a seminar hosted by the Rural Affairs Ministry on the benefits of Life funding.