The Ramblers’ Association fully appreciates and respects the intervention of Minister Leo Brincat following FKNK’s reaction to the Ramblers’ declaration that they will support calls for a referendum to decide the spring huntingquestion. Our major concern is with safeguarding our wildlife when it needs utmost protection. It is therefore to be expected that we will oppose the massacre of migrating birds in spring on grounds of sustainability.

Another point which has to be clarified is that we never trespass on private land; we confine ourselves to paths which have been trodden for generations. Our walking code respects the cultivated fields of Maltese farmers, whom we consider to be the real conservationists of the Maltese countryside.

The Maltese Government owns most of the land in Malta and much of this is leased out for agricultural purposes. Some of this land is subsequently used illicitly for hunting an trapping. Most of the rest of the countryside belongs to wealthy landowners who also lease parcels out to farmers, hunters and trappers. To confuse the issue further, old farmers who pass away also make sure their agricultual lease goes to their heirs. Of these, only some continue to till the land and mainly on a part-time basis. The others very often sell or sub-lease to hunters and trappers, as we said, illicitly.

This state of affairs has in fact resulted in many farmers being harrassed by certain hunters and their dogs running amok all over the land. Wielding guns, the more arrogant of these individuals make the farmers uneasy in exercising their occupation. We know this through farmers who resort to our association for help.

Such hunters often try to deny access to paths passing near their parcel of leased land. It is worth noting that they are usually not the real owners and that use they might be making of the lease they hold could be illicit. On the other hand, when the land is genuinely private, they extend their ‘rights’ to nearby areas over which they have no title.

Our appeal is for the Government to constrain owners of land to replace the rude and abusive signs (RTO, Privat, Tidħolx, etc.) with certified rights of ownership as this would simplify the resolution of disputes. The Government is to lead by example by taking all necessary action to stop hunting on government-owned land as this is prohibited. Immediate action will avoid unnecessary clashes and stop harassment to families, tourists and ramblers. Our walks will not stop nor will they be reduced in number because of FKNK’s actions.

However, if the end result of this is any appreciable increase in intimidatory behaviour then we believe that the public would have a reasonable claim to the State’s protection.