NGOs condemn ‘violent and cowardly acts’

Seven NGOs yesterday released a statement condemning “violent and cowardly acts” in recent days against members and property of environmental and conservation NGOs.

According to the joint statement, an attempted assault on Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar coordinator Astrid Vella by a developer was prevented by police last Thursday.

The alleged incident took place during a meeting in which residents and Sliema council members objected to the demolition of a house and the development of flats in an Urban Conservation Area. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority rejected the project.

This followed a vandal attack on the Wied Għollieqa Environment Centre run by Nature Trust last Monday, when vandals smashed the centre’s door, windows and furniture. The centre is used to teach students about biodiversity, sustainable development and climate change.

In the past week, Birdlife Raptor Camp volunteers have been subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation while monitoring illegal hunting.

“This lack of respect towards environmentalists always stems from individuals who have personal gain or interest from the destruction of nature or from the destruction of our cultural heritage,” the NGOs said.

An attack on volunteers dedicated to the preservation of the nation’s countryside, heritage, endangered species and quality of life is an attack on the well-being of all residents of the Maltese islands, they added.

The NGOs urged the police to charge the culprits.