NGOs call for hunting ban at Majjistral Park

J. Borg

Mar 30th 2009, 09:46

So it seems hunters do NOT own all the "private" countryside after all
since apart from Mizieb & l-Ahrax they want to keep hunting at Majjistral Park!

Whilst hunters are quick to make comparisons with other EU states, but then point out about particular uncomparable migration paths - they fail to see the obvious - being that the ratio between (free) Countryside and People in other EU states is significantly much higher than that in Malta!

Patrick Gauci

Mar 30th 2009, 09:06

I don't know if all of you passed or went to the mentioned park. A part of the area is that of Xaghra l-Hamra. All Xaghra area is protected in Malta and nothing can be changed from its natural habitat, no buildings, no transplanting of plants, no covering with soil, etc. As one can notice in the area the conservation of these Xahgra Parts is not being kept by these three NGO's involved in this park. A part of the Xaghra was covered with soil and Trees where planted, where are the authorities for such a disaster on these protected areas. Where are the BIrdlife now that says that they help to conserve Maltese Nature, or they are only responsible for discriminating Hunters and Trappers.

Richard Cachia Zammit

Mar 29th 2009, 21:23

@MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Yes I am aware and we have already been through that. In fact I refered to the paragraph "They acknowledge that properly managed hunting inside NATURA 2000 sites can continue or take place so long as it is compatible with the site's conservation objectives." So again I remind you that there can be EXCEPTIONS.

As for my signature…why? Don’t I have the right to express my views???

Robert Callus

Mar 29th 2009, 21:21

@J. Borg
While I definitely agree and appreciate the NGO's work it is actually a hobby too. However, what's in a name. Through their, let's call it hobby, these NGO's are doing is a good service provided for free to our country, unlike people who'se hobby is murdering animals.

Thanks for mentioning the arson attacks

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 29th 2009, 18:55

RichardCZ

Are you aware of the agreement between Birdlife International, and FACE, the EU hunting Body.

On the 12 of October 2004 FACE and BirdLife International signed an Agreement with Environment Commissioner M. WALLSTRÖM as part of the European Commission's Sustainable Hunting Initiative. The Agreement also strengthened hunting within the NATURA 2000 network.

Both organisations stress that in principle NATURA 2000 designation is not incompatible with hunting. They acknowledge that properly managed hunting inside NATURA 2000 sites can continue or take place so long as it is compatible with the site's conservation objectives. In this respect, they refer to the relevant Chapter 1.5 "Conservation of Habitats" of the Guidance Document.“

Both organisations agree that it is desirable to reach local, regional or national agreements on bird hunting practices, to establish constructive dialogue between local stakeholders, and to achieve a rational assessment of effects and of measures to be taken. National Partners or Members of both organisations are free to work towards achieving more ambitious targets for biodiversity, sustainable hunting and bird conservation.”

Your signature as No. 145 on the on-line petition says it all, as does that of other prominent Birdlfie members.

Richard Cachia Zammit

Mar 29th 2009, 17:38

@Anthony Formosa

It is Din l-Art Helwa, Gaia Foundation and Nature Trust that are taking care of this project. These NGOs are WELL KNOWN for preserving our heritage and not destroying it. So please say whatever you want about the hunting petition but let's not be dramatic about the project.

John Matthews

Mar 29th 2009, 17:27

@ Anthony Formosa
I concur with what you are saying. There are many organisations in the UK whereby hunters
work alongside wildlife societies. I remember Ta'Qali as an airfield and have been back many times since. Perhaps if the Crafts Centre project transpires, the area can be used for hunting once again.

John Matthews

Mar 29th 2009, 16:50

Do the Maltese people really have to put up with KNEEJERK press from these NGO,s
Surely the sensible people can see through this brainwashing.
I re-itterate with same comments that I made to yesterdays article.
"BASC is the national representative for sporting shooting in the United Kingdom. It has over 120.000 members. Waterfowl hunting (wildfowling) in the United Kingdom is predominantly undertaken on the coast through the auspices of some 200 wildfowling clubs affiliated to the BASC. Collectively these clubs own or lease hunting or management rights over some 30.000 hectares of coastland of which 98% is of designated conservation importance. This includes land within many Ramsar sites and designated or proposed Natura 2000 sites. The hunting club system has proved to be a rapid, inexpensive, effective and long lasting mechanism for regulating hunting and an important conduit for integrated management"

I invite readers to log on to:- http//www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/COP7_c9.pdf.

This will prove that there is collaberation and joint effort between Wildlife/Preservation and hunting fraternities. Surely this can also be achieved in Malta

Joe Fenech

Mar 29th 2009, 12:46

What do they mean by park?

I hope they're going to leave the place as it is.

J. Borg

Mar 29th 2009, 12:06

@ Anthony Formosa

Could you kindly clarify what hunters (including FKNK) have contributed to OUR REAL social-cultural-environmental heritage - have they emulated Nature Trust , Din L-Art Helwa and/or Gaia?

Govt has finally realised that such areas should be under the protection of such NGOs who with sheer dedication and scarce resources keep delivering - they work & work .... no "delizju", "hobby", "pastime", "relaxation", "delicatessen" and less "namur jew intajru" threats!

The pity is that such scarce resources and limited "man"power/hours are being further stretched to deter arson attacks by those who pretend that they can still hold everyone at ransom!

Anthony Formosa

Mar 29th 2009, 11:51

The public is being misguided with this petition. The petition should be against the project of the park itself and not against hunting in the area. What people don't know is that by signing such a petition means that they accept the development. Only few people expressed their concern about this move, even though they are against hunting, they prefer to keep it that way.

The natural beauty of this place will be destroyed by speculators. The place can be enjoyed by anyone like it always was. look at Ta Qali how it ended up, it once was the main family attraction for recreation, and look at it now you feel like you entered an industrial area.