The Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry yesterday strongly condemned last Sunday's arson attack at Buskett on three cars belonging to BirdLife volunteers.

Pointing out that this was a cowardly and criminal act, the ministry said the attack took place in a protected area near trees that were several hundred years old.

It was thanks to the prompt intervention of the fire fighters from the Civil Protection Department that the flames did not spread to other areas of Buskett.

"It is shameful that intolerance of those who appreciate birds in their natural environment has targeted those carrying out scientific work which is indispensable for the protection of birds," the ministry said.

It expressed its solidarity with the birdwatchers and urged them to carry on with their work. It hoped that the arsonists would be brought to justice.

The cars - a Ford Fusion, a Honda Odyssey and a Pajero Jnr - were set on fire as the BirdLife volunteers were carrying out ringing studies in Buskett. They had parked their cars at about 5.45 a.m.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace Mediterranean has expressed its alarm and grave concern at the torching of the three cars.

"Environmentalists throughout the region are shocked and alarmed to hear the news about the firebombing of the wildlife volunteer's cars. Given a history of peaceful environmental campaigns, even in the face of past threats and intimidation, this violent act is a disturbing threat to Maltese civil society" the director of Greenpeace Mediterranean, Ahmet Bektas said.

This act, which the police believe is probably a criminal attack, has no place in an EU country. Its perpetrators risk the reputation of Malta, he added.

While Greenpeace is not involved in BirdLife's campaign to save migrating wild birds from the spring hunt, it stands together with BirdLife in its vision to peacefully defend wildlife and the environment.