Six billboards are being erected across Malta as part of a project aimed at raising awareness on the implications of trapping on the environment, now that the transition period to phase out trapping has expired.

The message on the billboards reads Gawdihom Ħielsa (enjoy them in their natural environment). The billboards show an empty trapper's cage and three finches sitting on top of the billboards, free.

The information campaign, EU Life + Project on Bird Migration and Trapping, will run for two years. It aims to raise awareness on the importance of Malta for bird migration, with a special focus on finches, the species targeted by Maltese trappers. The project will also highlight the negative impacts of trapping on Malta's breeding birds and its natural environment.

Trapping is illegal in the EU under the Birds Directive but, during the Accession Treaty negotiations, Malta obtained a period to gradually phase out trapping until the end of 2008.

BirdLife Malta campaigns coordinator Geoffrey Saliba, said: "The Commission acted reasonably and gave Malta a five-year transition period to phase out trapping. However, many people are still not aware of the serious implications of trapping on our wildlife and the legally binding agreements. One of our aims is to establish a constructive dialogue with individual trappers.

"We know that many feel frustrated with the situation. We therefore hope to exchange views and find ways to channel their enthusiasm for birds in more constructive ways,"Mr Saliba said.

Malta is an important resting spot on the central migratory flyway, with large numbers of birds migrating over Malta every year between European breeding grounds and African wintering grounds.

The project is 50 per cent funded by the EU Life Unit with additional contributions from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the project partners.