|
Malta is a country composed of three small islands in the middle of the Mediterranean, 100 kilometers south of Sicily.
Malta has one of the world's highest number of hunters per capita, who shoot and kill any bird that flies. The skies over
Malta and the surrounding sea are devoid of birds. Each year, 3 million birds are shot or trapped on Malta while migrating
between Africa and Europe in the spring and autumn, leading to a gradual decline of these beloved European birds that traditionally
seek refuge in Malta.
The Maltese hunters have all but destroyed the countrys namesake, the Maltese falcon. In 1982,
hunters on the island of Ghawdex shot the last pair of nesting Maltese falcons, also known as peregrine falcons. Every year
the hunters also trap millions of wild songbirds that die needlessly shortly after being caged. Politically, these hunters
have won the upper hand through bullying tactics. They are organized and have intimidated political parties, governments and
environmentalists.
Since 1994, successive governments have relaxed the hunting laws to a point that enforcement
no longer exist. A battle has begun in Malta against the government and hunters bent on the destruction of these migratory
bird populations for mindless fun.
As a bird-lover and potential tourist to Malta, we ask you to help shift the
governments focus from the birds destruction to their part in a successful new economy for Malta, eco-tourism. The tourist
industry supports 40% of the Maltese economy and it is the largest industry in Malta. Without the tourist trade, the Maltese
economy will not survive. We want you to tell the Maltese government to stop the violent, unnecessary hunting of migratory
birds through official legislation, and establish laws protecting all migratory birds. We also want the Maltese government
see the wisdom of protecting these birds for the ecosystem, as well as the people of Malta by promoting their presence to
tourists who will come specifically to see them. The people of the world cannot remain silent. Malta does not have the right
to obliterate these species of birds from the earth. We must speak for the migratory birds that have been abused, tortured
and murdered by the Maltese hunters and government. I hope this action letter inspires you to do something. If you take one
step, if you tell one person about these birds, write one letter - you will make an important contribution! We ask you to
keep the pressure on the Maltese government and expose its cruelty in the international court of public opinion.
|
