BirdLife Malta welcomes confirmation of EU nature protection laws

BirdLife Malta has welcomed the European Commissions confirmation today, that EU nature protection laws are fit for purpose. The Commission confirmed that the Birds and Habitats Directives is fit for purpose and will not have to be rewritten, an outcome which the NGO said could have weakened them. The Commission has also called for a plan to better implement and enforce these laws.

BirdLife Malta said that the decision comes after two years of uncertainty over the laws’ future.

“This is a win for the record half a million people and hundreds of European NGOs, including BirdLife Malta as a partner within the BirdLife family, who called on the commission to save and enforce these laws,” read a statement by the NGO.

Today’s outcome follows a fitness check of the directives that was undertaken by the EU Commission.

BirdLife Malta president Darryl Grima, said that the decision is a win for nature thanks to the people, and that when nature wins, people also win.

“Once again people got united for an environmental cause and their voices were heard. For BirdLife Malta this solidifies the belief that engagement with people is a necessity when environmental issues are concerned,” said Zammit.

“The Commission’s decision to save our nature laws shows that the voice of over half a million citizens who called for the laws to be enforced were heard loud and clear. Nature is a key value of our society and necessary for our survival.  This also is a victory for the idea of European cooperation as nature knows no boundaries,” said Ariel Brunner, Senior Head of Policy at BirdLife Europe.