News | Sunday, 01 February 2009

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Billboards launched as part of new EU LIFE + Project

Six billboards have been erected across Malta with the message “Gawdihom Ħielsa” (Enjoy them free), as part of the new EU LIFE + Project (1) on Bird Migration and Trapping.
The billboards show an empty trapper’s cage and three free finches, which are the main targets of trappers, perched on top of the billboards.
The new EU Life + Project on Bird Migration and Trapping is the only Life+ project that Malta managed to obtain to date and it will run for two years. The information project aims to raise awareness on the importance of Malta for bird migration, with a special focus on the species which have been targeted by Maltese trappers.
The project will also highlight the negative impacts of bird trapping on Malta’s breeding birds and its natural environment.
“During Accession Treaty negotiations the Commission acted reasonably and gave Malta a five-year transition period to phase out trapping,” BirdLife Malta Campaigns Coordinator Geoffrey Saliba said. “However, it is apparent that many people are still not aware of the serious implications of trapping on our wildlife and the legally binding agreements.”
The EU LIFE+ project also aims to raise awareness on these issues, Saliba added.
“One of our aims is to establish a constructive dialogue with individual trappers. We know that many feel frustrated with the situation. We therefore hope to exchange views and find ways to channel their enthusiasm for birds in more constructive ways,” he concluded.
The project is 50% funded by the EU LIFE Unit with additional contributions from MEPA and the project partners. It is a partnership between BirdLife Malta, Media Today and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife partner in the UK).

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