BirdLife Malta has formally requested police protection, citing a disturbing rise in threats and intimidation against its members. The conservation NGO, which has long been at the forefront of environmental protection efforts in Malta, stated that harassment has escalated beyond previous instances of vandalism and physical attacks to include targeted online abuse.
In a statement posted on Facebook, BirdLife Malta accused the Federation for Hunting, Trapping, and Conservation (FKNK) of misusing its logo and circulating personal images of its members in a way that incites hostility. The organization expressed deep concern over the impact of such actions, warning that they create a dangerous environment for those working in conservation.
BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana addressed the threats in a video accompanying the statement, revealing that he himself has been a target of intimidation. He recounted how his car tyres had been slashed in a past incident, an act clearly intended to frighten him. Despite these attacks, Sultana emphasized that neither he nor BirdLife Malta would be deterred from their mission to protect Malta’s wildlife and natural habitats.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=embed_video&v=665067525890614
The organization strongly condemned the ongoing hostility and called on the government to take a firm stance against the intimidation of conservationists. It urged authorities to hold the FKNK accountable for the rhetoric it spreads, which, BirdLife Malta claims, is fueling aggression toward environmental activists.
The NGO’s concerns were echoed by the Malta Ranger Unit, another environmental group that has also faced threats and attacks. In a response to BirdLife Malta’s post, the Ranger Unit warned that there is a growing sense of impunity among poachers and environmental offenders. They argued that the government’s failure to prioritize environmental protection is emboldening those who break conservation laws.
The comment highlighted several worrying factors, including the lack of an Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) in Gozo and the limited presence of EPU officers in Malta. The Ranger Unit suggested that environmental enforcement agencies are being deliberately weakened, making it increasingly difficult to report violations. Even when offenses are reported, the group claimed, the authorities’ inaction allows offenders to feel confident in continuing their illegal activities—and, in some cases, even encourages them to target those who speak out against them.
With tensions escalating, BirdLife Malta’s call for police protection underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to safeguard environmental activists and ensure that conservation efforts can continue without fear of retaliation.
