BirdLife call for hunting ban in nature protection areas 'pure nonesense' - FKNK
The Hunters' Federation (FKNK) said this evening that BirdLife Malta's BLM’s demand that Malta’s designated NATURA 2000 sites be declared no-hunting zones 'is pure nonsense'.
Reacting to a statement yesterday by BirdLife, (http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130126/local/birdlife-seeks-hunting-ban-in-nature-protection-area.454883) the FKNK noted that BLM’s Executive Director, Steve Micklewright, admitted that “almost all of these protected nature areas are (or should be) accessible to the public, either by public roads and footpaths, or as nature parks and reserves.”
Therefore, FKNK said, it was completely incorrect for him to assert at the same time that “hunters and trappers have been allowed to rule the roost in the Maltese countryside”.
"In case Mr. Micklewright, a UK national, is ignorant of the fact, BLM’s UK partners, the RSPB, even permit hunting in some of their bird reserves or sanctuaries, also NATURA 2000 designated sites," the hunters said.
"Furthermore, Mr. Micklewright should be aware that in the UK various forms of hunting may be legally practised 24/7 throughout the whole year, so why should he come to Malta and militantly try to abolish our recreational socio-cultural hunting and trapping passions."
"BLM’s demand that Malta’s designated NATURA 2000 sites be declared no-hunting zones is pure nonsense. Most of the land within NATURA 2000 is privately owned mostly by people whose way of life is hunting and trapping. In effect, this means they are also major stakeholders, and consequently their interests must be taken into consideration and respected. Whereas such zones are not totally protected, they are amenable to hunting and trapping since these activities are perfectly compatible in such zones, unlike what Mr. Micklewright would have the uninformed general public believe!," the FKNK added
It also referred BirdLife to tan EU FACE (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation in the EU) project “NATURA 2000 and Sustainable Hunting in Europe” co-financed by the European Commission, in partnership (20%) with ELO, the European Landowners’ Organisation, and with the support of BLM’s partners, BirdLife International. The Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK) was an active participant in said project:
http://www.huntinginmalta.org.mt/uploads/90/892/NATURA_2000_Write-up_in_English-October_2007.pdf
Popular Stories
Old buses, drivers to return
Former Judge Ray Pace found dead
Updated: Minister apologises for...
Three new Nationalist MPs elected –...
Where’s Everybody staff is given notice
Updated - Director of Prisons submits...
Update 4 - Eddie Fenech Adami stable...
Update 3 - Woman trapped as car crashes...
Revealed...the face of a Maltese woman...
In Discussion
Old buses, drivers to return
Updated: Minister apologises for...
PL reacts as PN labels Franco Debono's...
Updated - Director of Prisons submits...
Enemalta seeking minimum five year gas...
Protected birds shot and trapped as...
Mario de Marco, Zammit Dimech concede,...
PN postpones salaries as financial...
Updated - PM's offer to Opposition MPs...
38 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
James Tyrrell
Jan 28th, 14:19
So according to this 'the RSPB, permit hunting in some of their bird reserves or sanctuaries, also NATURA 2000 designated sites.'
Would be interesting to know exactly where this is allowed in the UK so I could contact them for a comment. In a lot of the ones I have been to photography is not even allowed. So FKNK please give us all the details here or did you just make this rubbish up as usual?
Emanuel Curmi
Jan 28th, 14:04
The conservation of Natura 2000 sites may be termed as nonsensical by the local hunting lobby but this is so typical of their mentality and what concerns them most is the loss of a small area of hunting ground rather than the conservation of the what’s left of our bio diversity.
Jay Oatmon
Jan 28th, 06:26
This is Malta and politics and special interest groups who vote, will overrule common sense and good management.
I expect the PL and PN will cave in to the hunters especially during an election.
Tiny harmless birds will be shot in their thousands to please a few, and Malta's shame will continue.
Carmelo Aquilina
Jan 28th, 01:08
It is high time the number of hunters is slimmed down to make hunting sustainable on the land available for hunting - not just accommodate hunters everywhere they please . I have seen hunters in addolorata, next to Hagar Qim, along public road and threatening people who are trying to walk along public paths along Dingli Cliffs- enough! We have had enough bullying and arrogance from hunters !
D Borg
Jan 27th, 22:12
Whenever Malta acquires through some teutonic movements, the amount of countryside that the UK is blessed with, and when the density of population falls closer to that of the UK, then, FKNK can start drawing comparisons between Malta & the UK.
Until then, FKNK would do better to check what its members and their peers are up to......
Pippo de Marco
Jan 27th, 20:29
Its about time that all open land was surveyed, its boundaries and ownership established, its land use categorised and OFFICIALLY signposted. - it might be necessary for government to compulsorily purchase some private land so that the public and hunters can be segregated, but so be it.
Alternatively, the hunting issue could be resolved once and for all by a simple Yes or No referendum.
M. Cardona
Jan 27th, 20:51
Well done Pippo, your true colours are finally out. Extremism leads to extremist perspectives; denying hunters of their properties (compulsory) and having them segregated. Have you considered about the right to own property? Have you considered that "segregation" would be most appropriate for people of your ilk and to the benefit of all mankind? Want a referendum on that one?
Darren Caruana
Jan 27th, 22:04
The land does not need to be re surveyed. All records and site plans are at the lands dept and MEPA.
They can tell you that most land in Malta is privately owned wether BLM and you like it or not. Fact!
Maybe the authorities should issue a document depicting public land. So that everyone is informed. the rest is out of bounds I'm afraid
With regards to your referendum; Now THAT is pure nonsense!
Darren Caruana
Jan 27th, 22:06
Oh, and my land is already sign posted.
it says:
'Private No Entry'
Tresspassing is a CRIME
Darren Caruana
Jan 28th, 10:34
Re surveying the land is really not neccessary Pippo. All site plans are registered at the lands department and Mepa.
Maybe the authorities should issue a document depicting all public land for everyone to be well informed. The rest is out of bounds i'm afraid as it is private.
My land is signposted. It reads;
'Private, NO Entry' 'Tresspassing is a CRIME'
as for your referendum - Pure Nonsense!
D Borg
Jan 28th, 14:15
darren
are you trying to convinve yourself about your arguments by repeating them?
Pippo de Marco
Jan 28th, 16:36
Darren,
What are you scared of ? - If a referendum is 'nonsense' then why not get FKNK, KSU and anyone else you can muster to lobby the government to initiate a simple Yes or No to Hunting vote.
I would be happy to declare a victory for hunters if they achieved as little as a 30% 'Yes' vote. - Think you could manage that ? - if so, then put it to the test.
Pippo de Marco
Jan 28th, 17:16
@ M Cardona.
I never denied my opposition to hunting, or rather 'Bird Killing' as it is here. - What's more, we don't need a referendum on segregating 'People of my ilk' from hunters because we are more than happy to distance ourselves from people who kill Sparrows and Thrushes for fun.
And if you think I am in the minority, then why not press the next government to let the people decide?
Mr Anthony Formosa
Jan 28th, 19:22
Mr de Marco, if you voted YES in the 2003 referendum you've accepted hunting and trapping to continue, if you wish a re-referendum you're more than welcome.
Pippo de Marco
Jan 28th, 21:42
Mr Formosa,
I have a modicum of intelligence, so my decision to vote in favour of EU membership was made on the important issues. If shooters are aggrieved at how that was handled by our politicians, then why not lobby the next government for a referendum on the sole issue of hunting ?
I promise you, I would accept the decision of the majority, or even 30%. - But would you ?
D Borg
Jan 27th, 19:39
FKNK seems to be oblivious of the fact, that our limited countryside compared to our density of population, is INCOMPARABLE to that of the UK.
If anyone tries to venture into the countryside, EVEN land that is PUBLIC, he/she will invariably come across hunters carrying and using shotguns, without much consideration to others, and where the lead pellets are falling.
Philip Mizzi
Jan 27th, 19:34
Dear FKNK, what is pure nonsense is the thrill one gets from blasting graceful feathered creatures out of the sky.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 27th, 19:19
Birdlife should have a ban on the foreigners who keep interfering in our way of life.
Emanuel Curmi
Jan 28th, 14:22
Dear Mr Fenech. Sorry to wake you up from your slumber but our way of life has been constantly effected by foreign interference, be it thru tourism, commercially, politically, culturally or simply by widening our intellectual horizons. Accepting criticism instead of sulking will not only help us mature but go a long way to address our own shortcomings and improve our standard of living.
Mr Joe Camilleri
Jan 27th, 18:56
I always said that Mr. Micklewrong got it all WRONG from the begining.
He is just parroting what the other failed CEO said.
Pippo de Marco
Jan 29th, 11:43
Micklewrong and Parrot. - Yes, I can see what you did there, Joe.
Very clever. Very amusing. Very grown-up.
Francis Formosa
Jan 27th, 18:49
I am not in favor of hunting nore against it but I fell that there should be some conswideration for comoniner who likes to to go in an open space with his family an friends and enjoy seeing snd hearing the birds without such birds having to be locked up for their iwn safty and without expecting led palets falling on them. Please by all means enjoy your hunting but think about us the non munters
mario salnitro
Jan 27th, 20:04
If it is private property no one has the right to enter, be it hunting season or not .
That is why we have parks in Malta.
J. Vella
Jan 27th, 20:13
Still i dont expect that i own a private land, and someone decides to make a picnic in it or a bbq because its in natura 2000 site! Birdlife does not want to understand that they cannot go into private lands to make whatever they like to do!
Johnny Xerri
Jan 27th, 20:41
That is why there are over 30 bird sanctuaries, and many no hunting zones...like 50m from roads & many beaches, and other no hunting zones.
Is it possible that with large tracks of land such as buskett, simar, ghadira, Kennedy Grove, Chadwic lakes and many other areas...one cannot find a spot to enjoy some quality time in peace & observe nature and birds?
Maria Williams
Jan 27th, 22:18
Mr Salnitro & Vella, If the land is your honestly acquired property, of course you have a right to it.However you do NOT own the sky, if you shoot at a bird from your field, can you guarantee that the lead shot will not fall on a family picnicking on adjoining public land or using public roads nearby.This has happened to members of my family on the road to the Addolorata Cemetery back gate.
Ryan Falzon
Jan 27th, 18:39
What a joke for these people to use words like sustainable and conservation in their speech. One cannot at this day and age continue to classify the senseless killing of anything that moves as a socio-cultural passion. If anything, the behaviour we witness from such individuals is anti-social and destructive.
John Vella
Jan 27th, 18:20
You know what is nonsense? It's that all the country side is a no go area, that is pure nonsense.
Your time is up, its our time to enjoy nature and birds.
I go jogging every other day and I never seen as much birds as I am seeing this last few months, since hunting laws where enforced.
Lawrence Fenech
Jan 27th, 19:22
@John.
You must be jogging in a guva.
M. Cardona
Jan 27th, 19:27
You must be so much luckier than most if you have been seeing so many birds. If there's one thing hunters and birders concur on is that this year has been one of the poorest on record.
So much for "pure nonsense". Bye bye your time is up, wasted enough time.
Johnny Xerri
Jan 27th, 20:39
Hunting laws this year are same as those for the last couple of years...maybe your on a new set of contact lenses!!!
Hunting or not...the land accessible to you will be the same...public land...coz just because hunting had to be banned...you would still not be allowed on the hunters private land...so dream on
anthony sultana
Jan 27th, 18:06
Birds dont have votes, so they need us , people with love towords birds must use their vote to show the politicians that every living thing should be protected.
J. Vella
Jan 27th, 20:16
We shall protect unborn children from abortion ! That's a good reason to protect them since they have no one to protect them since they have no voice yet! Many people want to protect a bird but than they are in favour of abortion! Hypocrites!
Johnny Xerri
Jan 27th, 20:37
do fish need your vote as well...coz from what I gather some animals are not as equal as others...
I am right mr. fishkillers?
Robert Agius
Jan 28th, 07:19
J Vella, Should cows, pigs and chickens get a vote too? some bird are in danger of extinction. Can't say the same for humans. The main problem is that of some who think that all the land belongs to them and that it's fine to shoot anything that flies. FKNK never seriously dealt about this. They have only themselves to blame if hunting gets banned I'm afraid
J. Vella
Jan 28th, 12:33
Mr Robert Agius you are pathetic! So you think because their is a lot of humans we really dont need to protect them we can kill them! Well, i want you to imagine this....if you have a child already , and you are going to have another one, kill the biggest child and keep the baby... since you are saying that it makes sense to kill humans. !! Pathetic!
J. Vella
Jan 28th, 12:35
Mr Agius besides that i never mentioned that birds should have their voice heard like you are trying to do, by addressing me that 'should cows, pigs etc get a vote too'? address that to Mr. Sultana. He mentioned it. Regarding lands, if i have my private land, i will not let anyone , (not even you ) trespassing! Buy your own land.
Robert Agius
Jan 29th, 10:24
Personally, despite knowing a few reasonable hunters, am against hunting. I don't, however, need to justify myself using flawed logic. Clearly, banter is not your forte. Pragmatism, especially the American kind, which is how most of the world is now governed if you like it or not is not my taste either. But who knows, at this rate the might kill the youngest child....or that of the weakest nations
Please choose the reason of your report below: