Hunting lobby endorses government’s unifying force against illegal hunting

In an effort to “put an end” to the illegal poaching of wild birds in Malta, the Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK), announced that it would be formally endorsing the government’s joint communiqué against hunting abuse.

Parliamentary secretary for animal rights Roderick Galdes yesterday called on hunting organisations, animal right lobbyists and conservationist NGOs to sign a joint communiqué – a symbolic message – pledging adherence to the government’s fight against hunting abuse.

Earlier today, in reaction to Galdes’s call, BirdLife executive director Steve Micklewright said BirdLife was ready to work where there was common ground - mainly illegal hunting. While insisting that BirdLife does not want to impose an outright ban on hunting, Micklewright insisted that there is no common ground on spring hunting as they oppose it.  

Championing the unifying force between the hunters and environmentalists, Galdes argued that the authorities only could not solve the eradication for illegal killing and trapping of birds.

“We believe that by working on its own, neither the government, nor any NGO, could end illegal hunting. It is only through concerted effort of all stakeholders that we can make a significant difference to clamp down on poaching and other bird-related crime,” the joint communiqué says. 

Endorsing the symbolic message of unity, Galdes said hunting abuse is a problem that demands the joint thinking and collaboration amongst all voluntary organisations active within the hunting sector.

“It is only through concerted effort of all stakeholders, through harnessing their energies, through building of mutual trust and respect that we can make a meaningful and significant difference to clamp down on poaching and other bird-related crime.

The parliamentary secretary also claimed that it was “polarisation and division” between hunting lobbyists and conservationist NGOs that have led to the “slow progress” against poaching.

“We are aware that the lack of cooperation amongst stakeholders and low mutual trust that have, to date, been prevalent, are not encouraging progress.”

In the wake of the joint communiqué, the FKNK has endorsed the government’s call.

"The FKNK is more than ever determined to put an end to illegal taking and trade in wild birds on the Maltese Islands," the FKNK said.