The most recent vandal attack took place at the weekend, when a sign that was set up to mark the launch of the EU LIFE Yelkouan Shearwater Project, was destroyed.

The project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi just three weeks ago and the sign had been in place at the project site, Rdum tal-Madonna in Mellieha.

The innovative low-rise sign was specially designed to blend in with the landscape by using local stone.

Fortunately, the top of the sign was removed recently, so that repairs to the base would be finalised, but the base itself will have to be rebuilt from scratch.

Project Manager Helen Raine said: “It is disappointing to find that the project sign is vandalised. While it was in place, many tourists and visitors to the site learnt about this EU-supported conservation project and wildlife in Malta.”

During the launch, the Prime Minister made it clear how supportive the government was of this project and 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 minority in Malta, who do their best to spoil the experience of Malta’s natural environment and wildlife for everyone else,” said Ms Raine.

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 the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. 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.

Ms Raine confirmed that the project team’s priority was now to get the sign back in place.