Malta's natural heritage is under increasing threat from illegal activities, weak enforcement, and legislative loopholes that continue to undermine environmental protection, Momentum said Saturday. While over 30% of the Maltese Islands have been designated as Natura 2000 sites in accordance with EU obligations, many of these areas remain unprotected in practice. Bird poaching, illegal fishing, waste dumping, and the destruction of protected flora are still occurring regularly and with near impunity

Momentum committee members Natasha Azzopardi and Katya Compagno recently joined the Malta Ranger Unit on patrol, where they witnessed firsthand the systemic gaps in environmental enforcement. The rangers, who operate as a donation-funded NGO, work tirelessly around the clock, focusing on public education, monitoring, and reporting environmental crimes. Despite their efforts, the challenges they face expose major structural weaknesses that demand urgent reform.

 "The Environmental Protection Unit Police does not operate 24 hours, there is no unit in Gozo, and officers lack essential tools such as drones and cameras to effectively monitor offenders. In Gozo, the district police handle these cases however they are not trained for it. Night-time enforcement is almost non-existent, leaving vast areas unprotected when a lot of environmental violations occur," Azzopardi said

She also highlighted the similar situation at sea, where agencies such as Transport Malta and the Fisheries Department lack the necessary resources and equipment to monitor marine environments effectively, particularly during the busy summer months when illegal activity peaks. As a result, marine Natura 2000 sites and protected coastal zones are often left exposed and vulnerable to damaging activities due to the lack of enforcement. Without enforcement, these cases aren't part of the statistics hence not known, but still happening.

Momentum called for the urgent establishment of an Environmental Protection Unit Police in Gozo, extended working hours in Malta, better equipment, stronger laws, and more resources to protect Malta's most vulnerable natural sites and animal welfare.

In addition to the need for structural reform, rangers are also facing personal risks without proper legal protection even though the Minister for Environment Miriam Dalli is aware of this. Katya Compagno noted that in multiple court cases, rangers have received direct threats from poachers. "These threats, often made in the public spaces , have been heard in Court but with the offenders receiving mild sentences, followed by silence from the Minister of Environment. Rangers deserve to be able to carry out their duty safely and to be respected, particularly in judicial settings."

During their experience with the rangers, Azzopardi and Compagno witnessed their tireless, ongoing efforts to protect the environment from fires, irresponsible waste disposal  and to safeguard the shearwater known as Il-Garnija. Malta is home to 10% of the Mediterranean population of this bird which nests on our coasts and only lays one egg a year. During the hatching season, chicks are especially vulnerable to disorientation caused by excessive lighting from vessels, a violation in nesting zones where only minimal lighting is permitted. 

Another key concern is the lack of educational signage in protected areas. While some local councils have partnered with rangers to install informative signs, many areas still lack proper guidance. "We question why signs have been removed or never installed in the first place. Public awareness is crucial, and the respective laws and fines should be clearly displayed to encourage responsible behaviour," Compagno said.

The rangers also stressed the importance of collaboration between local authorities, vessel operators, and the wider community. Improved communication, consistent monitoring, and accountability for repeat offenders are essential. Public awareness campaigns,especially during critical periods such as the Il-Garnija hatching season,can help protect Malta's unique biodiversity and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

Momentum joined the Malta Ranger Unit in calling for immediate, meaningful reform to safeguard the islands' fragile ecosystems before more irreversible damage is done.