BirdLife launches membership drive

Group "greatly encouraged by the large number of people who supported the 'No' vote," even more determined to stamp out illegalities

The Blue Rock Thrush (Merill), is the National bird of the Maltese Islands.
The Blue Rock Thrush (Merill), is the National bird of the Maltese Islands.

BirdLife Malta has encouraged those who had voted against spring hunting to “sieze the moment and not let the momentum created by the referendum go to waste,” by strengthening their support of the group.

The exhortation comes exactly one week after the referendum in which 124,214 Maltese citizens voted for the abolition of the spring hunting season, 

BirdLife Malta president Geoffrey Saliba asked those who still wanted to see a hunting-free spring to make their voices heard by joining the organisation as members.

The group is currently holding its annual Spring Watch Camp, where volunteers are spread across the countryside to observe the migration of birds as well as to uncover hunting abuses.

“BirdLife is greatly encouraged by the large number of people who supported the no vote,” said Saliba, adding that the conservation group was even more determined to halt illegal hunting and ensure that lawbreakers are caught and face justice.

He said that this year’s Spring Watch Camp was already proving effective, and its effectiveness could only increase with greater numbers of volunteers.

Saliba announced that leaflets will be distributed to the public to facilitate their becoming members of BirdLife. “When you become a member, you will be demonstrating a commitment beyond marking the box captioned “no” last Saturday. Your membership will demonstrate that nature and the environment are truly important to you.”

He advised prospective members could join by sending in the forms, which will be published on the Sunday papers, or by sending an email to [email protected].