Franco Debono’s five solutions to bird trapping controversy

Backbencher Franco Debono this evening reiterated his calls for a research centre for the migration of birds and a capture breeding programme as the two main solutions for the bird hunting and trapping controversy on the island.

Speaking in Parliament, Debono said negotiations on the future of trapping should be left in the hands of experts. "Many of those who oppose trapping do not know what trapping really means to the enthusiast," Debono said.

Trapping was banned after a four-year transition period during which Environment Minister George Pullicino and Malta's Permanent Representative to the EU Richard Cachia Caruana failed to set up a successful captive breeding programme for the thousands of Maltese and Gozitan trappers.

Debono - himself a bird enthusiast - said BirdLife Malta and FKNK should learn how to work together for their mutual benefit and that of the environment. "I am a bird breeder as well and I know what this passion means for the trappers. That is why I am putting forward these proposals, to find a solution for a controversy which has been going on for over 10 years," he said.

He added that bird migration has fascinated man for long and a research centre in Malta and ringing of migratory birds would help look into this phenomenon.

"The environment is not an infinite resource. A research centre for the migration of birds - where we could apply for EU funds - would help focus on sustainability, the respect for the environment and conservation," he said, adding that hunters, trappers and birdwatchers could help in the research as well.

"The trappers' enthusiasm should not be dampened or suppressed but instead used for this research."

Debono said MEPA and Wasteserve should also be included to help reintroduce the Barn Owl, a bird which used to breed in Malta but was banished by man.

He added that a capture-breeding programme was the answer if Malta wanted EU's derogation for trapping.

He added that due consideration should also be given to migratory birds ringing. "This would justify the opening of a trapping season as it would also help in the research and study of migratory birds," Debono said.

The backbencher also said that better use should be made of nature reserves, such as the one in Ghadira.

On songbirds, Debono said he had passed on a report to the Prime Minister, suggesting the establishment of such colonies.

"It was a detailed plan which established viable colonies while at the same time it safeguarded a balanced eco system," Debono said, adding that hunting and trapping issues should not be a political controversy.