BIRDLIFE MALTA 50 years for birds,

1962 was a milestone in the history of bird conservation in Malta. Fifty years ago, a small group of Maltese founded Malta’s first environmental organisation, the Malta Ornithological Society, with the main aim of furthering the study and protection of birds on the Maltese Archipelago. Considering that bird shooting and trapping was a way of life with all classes of Maltese society, this was a daunting task. That group of far-sighted people pioneered the cause of protecting birds and their natural habitats against great odds and the struggle was an uphill one all the way. However, MOS, now BirdLife Malta, was here to stay.

In its 50-year history, BirdLife Malta has grown into Malta’s largest environmental NGO, with 3000 members, and forms part of BirdLife International, the world’s largest global network of conservation organisations.

Over the years, it has: • Run a relentless environmental awareness and education campaign; • Protested against the futile destruction of birds and the countryside; • Helped to save Filfla, Għadira, Is-Simar, Ta’ Cenc and other sites of natural

importance; • Published numerous ornithological and conservation publications; and • Successfully completed two EU Life projects.

For the benefit of the birds, nature and people of these islands, BirdLife Malta: • Has established and now manages two nature reserves – at Għadira and Simar. • Is developing a large afforestation project, Foresta, in the north of mainland

Malta; • Administers Malta’s scientific bird-ringing scheme within EURING for the

study of birds; • Is a leader in seabird research and conservation in the Mediterranean; • Organises annual international conservation camps; • Runs an educational campaign in environmental awareness, Dinja Wahda, in

schools; • Campaigns for the abolition of spring hunting and • Persists in fighting illegal bird hunting and trapping.

Timeline: A few of the highlights from BirdLife Malta’s 50-year history

1962: Malta Ornithological Society founded. 1966: MOS successfully campaign to protect the Għadira wetlands from a proposed road that would have passed through the site, destroying the habitat for generations to come. 1970: MOS launches the Save the Robin schools campaign with the aim of end

ing the practice of robin trapping. 1971: the island of Filfla, formerly used for bombing practice by the British Royal Air Force, is designated as a nature reserve following a campaign by the MOS. 1978: The Għadira wetlands are declared a bird sanctuary and in 1980 are des

ignated as a nature reserve. 1980: The wetland and salt marsh habitats at Għadira are restored and extend

ed. 1988: Għadira is designated as a RAMSAR Wetland of International

Importance. 1992: MOS joins BirdLife International partnership, changing its name to

BirdLife Malta. 1994: Dinja Wahda begins environmental education outreach to primary

schools. 1996: Is-Simar nature reserve in Xemxija becomes Malta’s second Wetland of

International Importance. 2004: Malta joins the EU, becoming a signatory to the Birds Directive, and

agrees to phase out the practice of finch trapping over a five-year period. 2006: BirdLife Malta launches Malta’s first EU Life project, to conserve the largest breeding colony of Yelkouan Shearwaters in Malta, at Rdum talMadonna. 2008: Spring hunting banned for the first time following an interim order from the European Court of Justice. First Spring Watch International conservation camp takes place to monitor bird migration and illegal hunting. 2009: European Court of Justice finds Maltese Government guilty of breach

ing EU law for opening spring hunting seasons between 2004 and 2007. 2010: BirdLife Malta confirms a fall of more than a third in trapping licences and a 75 per cent reduction in active trapping sites since 2009. Dinja Wahda reaches 90 per cent of primary schools. 2011: BirdLife Malta embarks on a five-year EU LIFE+ project to identify areas at sea for designation as Marine Natura 2000 protected sites by the Maltese Government. Dinja Wahda embarks on its work with secondary schools. 2012: 50th Anniversary of BirdLife Malta.

Much progress has been made by BirdLife Malta in its 50 years of existence. However, there is still an uphill struggle to save Malta’s natural heritage, and for Malta to become a safe haven for resident and migrating birds. The intensity of campaigning, conservation and promotion of Maltese nature maintained by BirdLife Malta over the years would not have been possible without the support of countless unsung and dedicated volunteers and members. We are always happy to hear from anyone who would like to help with any of our activities or support our work by making a donation or becoming a member. For more information about BirdLife Malta and to find out how you can help Malta’s birds and wildlife, visit www.birdlifemalta.org

CettisWarbler Photo:JoeSultana Leopard Snake Photo: Martin Austad

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