BirdLife Malta

St Paul’s Islands and Northern Cliffs receive highest level of protection - The Malta Independent St Paul's Islands (Selmunett) and the stretch of cliffs from iċ-Ċumnija to ix-Xaqqa have officially been declared Special Protection Areas (SPA), strengthening their existing status as

BirdLife Malta’s scientific research and evidence-based studies have once again delivered results, securing stronger protection for vital natural sites for the benefit of our country.

#MaltaSPAs #LIFEPanPuffinus #BirdLifeMalta www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...

BirdLife Malta welcomes new infringement action as Commission calls on Malta to comply with EU Birds Directive | BirdLife Malta EU opens new infringement case against Malta over unlawful finch trapping as BirdLife Malta urges compliance with the Birds Directive.

Read BirdLife Malta’s reaction, to the European Commission’s announcement opening a new infringement procedure against Malta over the latest finch-trapping derogation.

birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/bird...

Time for the hunting lobby to engage constructively Farrugia repeatedly frames the bill as a 'gift from the PN to extremist groups and individuals … who could use it much more easily and cheaply instead of a referendum,' and warns o...

BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana calls on the hunting lobby to engage constructively in shaping how #environmental rights and #sustainable #hunting can coexist. Protecting #nature benefits everyone, including hunters. 🌿🇲🇹

📰 Read the full opinion piece below.

www.maltatoday.com.mt/comment/opin...

Emptying the sky: Malta’s declining commitment to bird conservation - The Malta Independent Malta's strategic position along the central Mediterranean flyway makes it a vital stopover for migratory birds. Yet over the past decade, a succession of policy decisions has gradually eroded

Emptying the sky: #Malta’s commitment to #bird #conservation is in decline.

From #trapping disguised as “research” to weakened enforcement and plans to constitutionally protect hunting, policies continue to favour exploitation over preservation.

Read more: www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...

Editorial: When political weakness traps a country As long as our leaders remain spineless before the hunters’ and trappers’ lobby, we all remain captive

@ec.europa.eu

timesofmalta.com/article/edit...

Why the Salina Harvest Speaks to Tomorrow’s Menus Could salt be the next driver for sustainable tourism? Ramona Depares discovers how BirdLife Malta is bringing an old harvesting tradition to life, from the salt pans to restaurant tables.

Throwback to Salt Fest 2025! 🧂🌿

Our sustainable Salina salt was recently featured in Horeca Malta, a perfect blend of tradition, nature and flavour.

Discover how tradition and conservation come together in this inspiring feature:

🔗 horecamalta.com.mt/2025/10/05/w...

European Commission confirms that finch-trapping derogation is not in line with the European Court of Justice ruling | BirdLife Malta EU clarifies it has not endorsed Malta’s finch-trapping derogation, warning of possible legal action if EU Birds Directive rules are breached.

The @ec.europa.eu confirms it has not endorsed Malta’s so-called research derogation for finch trapping, reinforcing that the previous ruling still stands.

👉 Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/11/euro...

At our nature reserves, the elegant Little Egret, in pure white plumage, moves gracefully through the shallows in search of the tiny Mediterranean Killifish.

As autumn settles in, take time to visit, slow down, and let nature’s quiet elegance remind you of the beauty worth protecting.

🌿 ROOTED Project Update! 🌿

We’ve started recording our first podcast episodes, capturing seniors’ memories and stories about Malta’s natural heritage. 🎙️🌾

Do you or a loved one have a nature story to share? 🕊️

👉 Get in touch at naturereserves@birdlifemalta.org to join the ROOTED podcast series!

Malta’s 2025 Autumn Trapping Season – WBRU Registered Sites - Google My Maps 1,641 sites are authorised to trap Golden Plover and Song Thrush (Blue & White Dots), while 2,932 are authorised to 'research' finches (Red & White Dots)

Despite 2 ECJ rulings confirming finch trapping is illegal Malta again allows the capture of finches, Golden Plovers & Song Thrushes under the guise of “research”. We launched a tool showing authorised trapping sites. Use it to check locations & report illegal activity
www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/v...

The Maltese Government hates Maltese natural heritage and biodiversity - ADPD The Maltese Government hates Maltese natural heritage and biodiversity. Together with its plans  to weaken land use planning laws, it is also failing to protect biodiversity and continuously seeks new...

ADPD - The Green Party has raised concerns over recent legal changes that could undermine #Malta’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

The statement mentions amendments in bird ringing rules removing the link to the #EURING network, represented locally by BirdLife Malta.

adpd.mt/the-maltese-...

BirdLife Malta hits out at Robert Abela for disguising ‘trapping’ as a scientific ringing project | BirdLife Malta BirdLife Malta condemns PM Abela for weakening bird ringing laws and disguising illegal trapping as scientific research.

We strongly condemn the Maltese Prime Minister’s decision to weaken the laws regulating scientific bird ringing in a clear step to pacify the hunters’ lobby & to disguise illegal bird trapping as a scientific ringing project
@ec.europa.eu @birdlifeeurope.bsky.social
birdlifemalta.org/2025/10/bird...

PM’s proposal on hobbies ‘nonsensical political gimmick’ – BirdLife Malta president - The Malta Independent The president of BirdLife Malta, Darryl Grima, has slammed the Prime Minister's proposal to grant constitutional safeguards to all traditional pastimes, labelling this move as a

While the government pushes a new proposal to protect hobbies, BirdLife Malta reminds everyone: environmental rights and nature protection must come first.

Read more 👇

Found a Scopoli’s Shearwater on land? 🐦 It’s disoriented by light pollution and it needs help! Call BirdLife Malta to rescue and release it safely! 📞

#ScopolisShearwater #lightpollution #SeabirdRescue #BirdLifeMalta

Together, we’ll stop them! | BirdLife Malta Join the Ġustizzja Għal Artna protest on 27th October in Valletta to oppose destructive planning reforms and defend Malta’s future.

BirdLife Malta will join the Ġustizzja Għal Artna protest on 27 October & urges everyone to stand with us. Be there at 5.30pm from the Law Courts to Parliament to oppose planning laws that threaten Malta’s environment, heritage & democracy. Together we’ll stop them! birdlifemalta.org/2025/10/toge...

🌊Keep an eye out for Scopoli’s Shearwaters (Ċiefa)!🐦

Young birds are leaving their nests & may get stranded due to #lightpollution💡.
If you find one, call BirdLife Malta 📞 2134 7645 / 7925 5697 or police 119.
Let’s help them reach the sea safely!💙

📸 Ana Raposo

#ScopolisShearwaters #BirdLifeMalta

Watch: The retired policeman guarding Malta's birds of prey ‘If things are going to change here in Malta, it’s got to come from the EU’

Watch the impactful interviews that shed light on the ongoing issue of illegal bird #hunting in Malta.

Timely and much-needed coverage by Times of Malta.

timesofmalta.com/article/watc...

We’re proud that our #RestoreNature campaign won the 2025 SER Europe Communications Award, proof of what we can achieve together. But here in Malta, proposed planning Bills 143 & 144 risk undoing vital safeguards for nature & democracy. Let’s turn Europe’s Nature Restoration Law into action at home.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Valletta yesterday. Together we sent a clear message: we won’t stand by as greed destroys our country. If the Government persists with these laws, we’ll return to the streets. Withdraw them now! ✊🌿 #ĠustizzjaGħalArtna #NationalProtest #BirdLifeMalta

Seabirds are vital to our marine ecosystems - but bycatch remains a serious threat. In this video, José Manuel Marques (Director of Marine Environment and Sustainability Services at DGRM, Portugal),… Seabird bycatch: How policy and collaboration drive change

LIFE PanPuffinus! teams in Portugal & France spoke to their policy makers about the role decision makers have in helping to tackling #seabird bycatch. They highlighted how change can only be brought about through policy based on science & collaboration: youtu.be/kf8-cWeu470
@lpofrance.bsky.social

In tribute to Dame Jane Goodall, a conservation legend Today, we pay tribute to conservation hero Dame Jane Goodall (1934-2025).

We join @birdlifeglobal.bsky.social in paying tribute to Dame Jane Goodall, a conservation legend.

Her life’s work inspires us to protect biodiversity everywhere, including in Malta, where the fight for stronger environmental rights is more urgent than ever.

#RightToEnvironment #BirdLifeMalta

Organisations highlight disastrous consequences of Government’s planning “reform” ahead of Saturday’s national protest | BirdLife Malta National protest on Saturday against Government’s planning “reform” threatening Malta’s environment, heritage, and quality of life. Join the protest!

Over 45 organisations including #BirdLifeMalta are uniting this Saturday to resist the Government’s destructive planning “reform”. Join the national protest for our environment, heritage & future!
📍 Law Courts Valletta
🕙 Saturday 4 October 10am
#ĠustizzjaGħalArtna

So proud to see May’s journey featured by our partner @birdlifeglobal.bsky.social! 🕊️🌍

This Turtle-dove was one of the lucky few to escape Malta’s open hunting season.

🔗 Check it out:
1st www.facebook.com/reel/5981258...
2nd www.facebook.com/reel/1537887...
3rd www.facebook.com/reel/9521867...

Simar buffer zone restored to protect nature and people | BirdLife Malta Discover the new buffer zone at Simar Nature Reserve, restored with habitats, trees and pathways, opening free to the public this autumn.

Once a dumping site, the area now includes restored habitats, a pond, walking paths, seating, and information panels. Opening this autumn with free daily access! 👉 Read more: birdlifemalta.org/2025/08/sima...

The other article on the second page highlights the restoration of the buffer zone at Simar Nature Reserve. Through the EU-backed Community Greening Grant Scheme, BirdLife Malta is transforming 3,200m² of degraded land into a thriving natural space.

Today in the Sunday newspaper il-Mument we look at the spectacular September raptor migration from the Western Marsh-harrier & the soaring European Honey-buzzard to the powerful Peregrine Falcon. Discover why Buskett is one of Malta's best places to witness these birds of prey on their journey south

'Il-kaċċa fir-rebbiegħa mhix sostenibbli' – BirdLife Malta BirdLife Malta xejnet għalkollox l-istudju ppubblikat fil-ġimgħat li għaddew mill-Federazzjoni Kaċċaturi Nassaba Konservazzjonisti, l-FKNK li

There is no need for further studies to determine whether spring #hunting is sustainable. Every #bird shot in spring is one less bird able to breed and raise young. The impact is even more serious for species already in steep decline and listed as #Vulnerable by the #IUCN. tvmnews.mt/news/il-kacc...

Case officer recommends refusal of rebuilding Mellieħa hotel ruins The Planning Authority’s case officer has recommended the refusal of Mizzi Estates’ plans to redevelop the derelict Festaval Hotel in Mellieħa, citing a lack of crucial traffic and environmental…

A hotel in Mellieħa’s Natura 2000 site?

BirdLife Malta objects to the Festaval Hotel redevelopment

🌳 Threat to Foresta2000 reserve
📉 More hotel beds Malta doesn’t need
🌿 Loss of tranquillity & education value

#RestoreNature instead.

Last Sunday the first of 2 special features with BirdLife Malta was aired on L’Arca di Noè on Canale 5!
Tune in for the 2nd part this Sunday at 1.30pm, right after the 1pm TG5 news.
You can register with your email address & watch the 1st part here 👉 mediasetinfinity.mediaset.it/video/larcad...

Malta: Hunting rarely stops

#Hunting in #Malta is almost year-round, with guns silent only in Feb-Mar. Overlapping land, sea & #trapping seasons make the island a deadly barrier on the African-Eurasian flyway. Migratory #birds pay the price.

Read more: www.independent.com.mt/articles/202...