Hunting and trapping 'safeguarded' at Nwadar nature park

Environment Minister Leo Brincat says management of Nwadar nature park will not hinder farmers or other practices

Photo: Chris Mangion
Photo: Chris Mangion
Environment Minister participates in public consultation on Nwadar Park

Hunting and trapping will not be affected by the establishment of a national nature park at Zonqor Point, as “the balance” achieved in other parks on the island will be replicated at Nwadar, a steering committee has said.

Environment Minister Leo Brincat this evening attended a public consultation meeting in Haz-Zabbar, with the aim of discussing a draft management plan for the Nwadar park.

The plan proposes the addition of 44,000 square metres to the 929,000 square metre area earmarked for the park.

“We don’t want to hinder any hobbies,” the minister said in his opening comments, adding that all will be regulated "to avoid the law of the jungle". Hunting federation FKNK has expressed its “concerns” over the remote possibility that hunters or trappers in the area may be affected.

Likewise, Brincat also reassured farmers that their title to the land will remain untouched and their business would not be disturbed.

Jason Bonnici, from the consultative council of the south and a member of the Environment and Resources Authority Board, said a balance would be reached between citizens’ recreational needs, the farmers and hunters and trappers.

“Other parks have succeeded in this and the management of the park will help reach this balance,” Bonnici said.

The minister said the nature park was not some sort of “environmental compensation” in return for the planned development of the ‘American University of Malta’.

“This is a standalone project which is being done to protect this beautiful area and give people an open area to enjoy,” he said.

The site’s management will be an ongoing process, Brincat added.

Noticing that just a handful of people had attended the event, the minister commented that the number was irrelevant: “What matters are the point raised.” He went on to encourage individuals and groups to submit their feedback online.