Guardian for Future Generations chair Maurice Mizzi has hit out against the extension of hunting and trapping hours at Majjistral Park, irrespective of public consultation, citing sustainable development concerns.

“It is the opinion of the Guardian that the previous arrangement whereby hunting at Majjistral was allowed until 10am was good enough to keep the balance between traditional hunting and trapping practices and the right of the general public to enjoy and appreciate the natural and heritage value of the site,” he told the Times of Malta.

“It is inconceivable to have hunters and the walking public on the same site at the same time, particularly since the Majjistral Park is being advertised for walking.”

The Guardian for Future Generations is a high-level commission for sustainable development policies in government and industry. Mr Mizzi was appointed chairman when it was reconstituted in January. His comments came as the government on Monday agreed to a watered-down motion put forward by the PN calling for consultation with all stakeholders following controversial changes allowing hunters and trappers to use the Majjistral Nature and History Park for extended periods of time each day.

Hunting and trapping hours were extended in September, October and November from 10am to 12.30pm, except for Wednesdays and public holidays, when the time remained 10am.

The limit for hunting reverted to 10am for December and January. Trappers have been allowed to use the park until 2.30pm for the whole of the open season.

The amendment agreed yesterday did not include a motion put forward by Partit Demokratiku MPs Marlene Farrugia and Godfrey Farrugia calling for the changes to be repealed and the original hunting hours restored.

The Majjistral Park Federation – made up of the NGOs Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust and the Gaia Foundation – objected to the changes and supported the motion for them to be scrapped.

The Federation said the changes had taken place without public consultation and extending hunting times more – they were already stretched from 9am to 10am – “practically cuts off access to the public in the most beautiful season of the year”.

BirdLife Malta warned that “extending hunting and trapping hours in such a site goes against the very concept of a national park, where many go to enjoy the beauty of nature”.