BirdLife Malta on Wednesday had submitted a formal request for police protection to Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa following "escalating threats and intimidation."

Speaking outside of the Police Headquarters in Floriana, BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana said that the NGO has, over the years, faced moments where it has dealt with intimidation as well as physical violence and vandalism. "This never bothered us," he remarked, "In the sense that we always kept working, but it does not mean that we should accept it."

This point of protection for conservationists is an important one. BirdLife activists, among others, have over the years helped highlight the illegal shooting of protected bird species, and monitor the countryside for hunting and trapping illegalities across the islands. It is essential work to ensure that those who commit illegalities are caught. The work of these conservationists is, thus, not always in safe conditions, as those who are committing illegalities are not going to welcome seeing them. This could potentially lead to confrontation, or retribution, which highlights the importance of ensuring that they have the protection they need. In the end, these activists help the authorities to do their job, and ensuring that they have the protection they need is a must.

A few bad apples paint a bad picture of hunters in Malta. So it is in the interest of law-abiding hunters for those who abuse regulations and who commit illegalities to be caught and made to face justice. Most hunters are people trying to enjoy their hobby, but there are others who go beyond the bounds of what is legal, for example by shooting protected species of birds. The latter give all hunters a bad name.

BirdLife also said that it is now facing online harassment, and said that the FKNK "must take responsibility for rhetoric that is fuelling threats against those working in conservation."

Din L-Art Helwa expressed solidarity with BirdLife. DLH Executive President Patrick Calleja said: "We stand in solidarity with BirdLife Malta and applaud their unwavering commitment to safeguarding nature despite the escalating threats they face. Their recent call for police protection highlights the serious challenges that conservationists encounter while performing their vital duties. It is imperative that the State takes a firm stance against intimidation and provides the necessary support to those working tirelessly to protect our natural heritage."

Meanwhile, in a statement the FKNK said: "After BirdLife Malta filed an injunction to stop the Ornis Committee from discussing the 2025 spring hunting of turtle doves, it is now attempting to censor the Federation for Hunting and Conservationists (FKNK) from criticizing and taking any necessary action against its irresponsible behaviour by playing the victim." It said that it could be doing this at this stage "to try and influence" the court while hearing the injunction BirdLife itself filed and the contestation to the injunction by the government and the FKNK" It went on to allege that BirdLife Malta is an "extremist organisation."

It is understandable that BirdLife and the FKNK dislike each other, as they are very often at loggerheads given that they are on opposite sides of so many issues related to hunting. From spring hunting, to legal battles over bird trapping, It is a heated topic with very passionate people on both sides. However the rhetoric used should be kept civil and not incite anger towards the other. If people commenting under such posts issue threatening messages, the police absolutely must take action.