BirdLife Malta yesterday said that the sign set up to mark the launch of the EU LIFE Yelkouan Shearwater Project recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was destroyed at the weekend. The sign had been in place at the Rdum tal-Madonna project site (1) since the launch of the project three weeks ago. Now only a pile of rubble is left where the base used to be.

The sign aimed to inform visitors and local people about the internationally important protected site of Rdum tal-Madonna and the work that the project partnership are doing to improve the area and protect the Yelkouan Shearwaters that breed there. It was specially designed in discussion with MEPA to blend in with the landscape by using local stone and an innovative, “low-rise” design. Fortunately, the top of the sign was removed recently in order to finalise some repairs to the base. However, the base itself will have to be completely rebuilt.

Project manager Helen Raine said, “It is disappointing to find that the project sign is vandalized. While it was in place many of the tourists and visitors to the site were learning about this EU supported conservation project and wildlife in Malta.”

During the launch, the Prime Minister made clear how supportive the government were of this project; four of the project partners are government authorities. “It is sad to see that the investment made by the partners is not appreciated by a small minority in Malta who do their best spoil the experience of Malta’s natural environment and wildlife for everyone else.” Ms. Raine said.

The EU LIFE Yelkouan Shearwater project is particularly important because Malta holds about 10 per cent of the world’s population of Yelkouan Shearwaters. A third of these birds breed at Rdum tal-Madonna. As Malta is so important for these birds, the EU has provided 50 per cent of the project funding through the LIFE Nature Fund. Contributions have also been received from HSBC and MEPA. Part of the funding pays for materials such as the sign to inform the public about the conservation work going on and why it is so important for Malta at an international level.

Helen Raine confirmed that the Project Team’s priority was now to get the sign back in place. “We have received a huge amount of support for the project from the community and we will now be working to make sure that the sign is replaced as soon as possible for everyone to enjoy.” Ms. Raine concluded.