People turned up at Mizieb this afternoon to walk around the area and were met with a heavy police presence.

The government recently signed a deal whereby the FKNK will manage Mizieb and L-Ahrax tal-Mellieha for three years, sparking outrage among environmentalists. As a result, a number of people organised walks to take place at both sites. The police presence was there as they heard there might be a protest, a police official said, to ensure safety.

The government was meant to sign the agreement today, however on Friday issued a press statement, saying that the deal was signed. The press were not invited for the signing.

BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana delivered a brief speech. He thanked people for coming and said that it is getting frustrating to see bullies get what they want, land.

He said that its time to show politicians that in the country there are not only hunters and those who want to make money off land, but there are people who want to enjoy nature, "which is the only real free of charge form of entertainment."

He called the government cowards for signing the agreement before closed doors. He said that there will be an event held in the near future which will be a sit down event and will respect social distancing.

BirdLife CEO speech at Mizieb from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.