Gaia Foundation calls for extra vigilance for NGOs

Following a spate of vandalism that struck the Nature Trust offices, and the intimidation against prominent members of two other organizations - BirdLife Malta and Flimkien ghall-Ambjent Ahjar - the Gaia Foundation made a nationwide appeal to address such unacceptable behaviour against the local environmental NGOs.

The Gaia Foundation also asked both public officials and the general public to be extra vigilant in the face of any acts that may affect the Maltese Islands’ natural heritage.

“Authorities must leave no stone unturned to enforce all environmental regulations, and to dedicate all the necessary resources required to do so,” the NGO said.

The foundation also called on the public to increase report any infringements to the relevant authorities and NGOs, as well as to intervene directly wherever possible to get persons to desist from carrying out such infringements.

“These could range from illegal dumping and littering to damage to local trees and other flora, trapping, or shooting at protected birds,” the foundation explained. 

“The perpetartors of these shameful acts must be made to see and understand that our natural heritage is not something valued and protected by just a few, but rather by the overwhelming majority of the islands' residents.”

In its statement the Gaia Foundation, which works predominantly in the sector of Natura 2000 and coastal management, extended its fullest support to the NGOs.

The Gaia Foundation said that while the local environmental NGOs work hard in their respective fields for the benefit of the islands' natural heritage – “and will not be deterred by vandalism or intimidation” - the best results will be obtained with the active cooperation and support of the silent law abiding majority.

“Increased resources in the budgets ahead to ensure adequate monitoring and enforcement of all environmental laws and regulations should also be applied.”