Birdlife Malta said today that the strong support the electorate gave the No campaign encouraged it to keep working in favour of sustainability and conservation.
The Birdlife Malta council addressed a press conference this afternoon.
Geoffrey Saliba said Malta had missed the opportunity to put an end to the problem of spring hunting once and for all. He insisted, however, that almost half of the Maltese had voted in favour of life, the environment and birds. “Environmental awareness is now stronger than ever.”
Mark Sultana, one of the main spokespersons of the No-campaign, thanked voters for the courage they had shown when they voted against spring hunting, against all currents. The No campaign obtained a strong result despite not having any political backing. “The result showed that we have strong support by those who are not afraid to speak up. Despite the verdict, people have given us courage.”
Mr Sultana said Birdlife Malta still believes that spring hunting is not sustainable. He hoped that the Prime Minister’s words on enforcement would be put into action. Mr Sultana said he did not believe that only a handful of hunters commit environmental crimes. “We know that there will be illegalities and we expect politicians to live up to their words.”
He said he did not understand why the PM passed the “punch and judy” comment, insisting that the no movement has not changed its beliefs just because it lost the referendum. “We will be working with other environmental organisations to try to curb illegal hunting.”
Those who voted yes did not necessarily agree with spring hunting, he said, and fear might have played an important part in the referendum. Many fell in the trap of the minorities issues.
Ms Falzon said Birdlife Malta will keep working to raise environmental awareness and to report and prevent illegal hunting. The group intends to work with the government and NGOs on conservation projects, including more nature reserves for the public to enjoy. Birdlife will also launch a campaign to increase membership and is calling on those who voted No to keep supporting the organisation.
Mr Sultana said SHout will be announcing how much the campaign cost at a later stage but said the amount is not in the “big thousands.”
Asked on the influence politicians might have had on the electorate, he said politicians have to shoulder responsibility for their actions. Mr Sultana said that, whether by intention or not, politicians had influenced some to voters. “In that case than the 49% has a much bigger value. Obtaining that result despite the influence of politicians is no small feat.”
He also insisted that, seeing that almost half of the Maltese do not want spring hunting, the least the government could do is to increase the areas where hunting is not allowed.
On enforcement, Mr Saliba said the ball is in the PM’s court. “We expect results and illegalities to decrease. The Prime Minister’s message – that it is not business as usual for the hunters – was clear.”
Asked if he thought that the PM’s warning that this was the last chance for hunters was purely rhetoric, Mr Saliba said he hoped not. “it seems the PM has taken this message on board and told them that this is really their last chance. We expect the season to be closed at the first sign of illegalities.”
Asked if the No-campaign would consider another referendum, Geoffrey Saliba said it is still too premature to be considered.
Video: Paul Jones, photographs: Jonathan Borg