It is so ingrained in the Maltese psyche that the only way you will ever improve matters there is through education at school age level. The sad thing is as Chris Packham says in the video,that the Maltese are some of the nicest people you'll ever come across having known a number of Maltese Reds ( that's Man. United fans not communists!) I will never go there on principle. Until an education programme begins to bear fruit the only way the Maltese authorities will take any notice is through hitting their tourist trade through frequent media exposure. We birders can help in a small way by telling any one we know who are contemplating a visit to Malta of what goes on there.
Agree with posts below - the (admittedly tiny) optimistic part of me hopes this will provide more publicity/support, but I fear it's just a sad indictment of the situation all over the world (including britain). Hope Chris is ok, he deserves lots of plaudits for doing this.
Austin thank you so much for sharing this. I think Mr packham deserves a lot of respect for doing this - he says on his website (below) that: "For many years I have lobbied the UK's bird charities to campaign to raise awareness about the slaughter of migrant birds on Malta. I have equally tried to stimulate television programme makers to cover the issue - both without success - a sad reflection of our complacent and risk adverse times. Well, I've finally run out of patience and together with three colleagues and the support of Birdlife Malta this spring I will be making a nightly video diary of the days events on the island which will be posted [below]." This is, I'm sure, not how he'd prefer to spend his Easter, and I hope it is worthwhile.
This video is the 1st of 6 (he's spent 6 days in Malta - today being the last) - all of the videos can be found on www.chrispackham.co.uk.
Warning - it is depressing stuff, but if those of us who care about this shy away then who will do anything? There is the opportunity to donate and/or write a letter to your MEP on the website. Please do watch these videos and help if possible and make his efforts worthwhile.
I have watched the 1st three videos this morning and found the 3rd perhaps the most shocking - but they're all worth a watch. It is depressing to see that not only are these activities being carried out, but the few people (conservationists etc.) who are helping are being targeted themselves e.g. being shot at (in the head - so with a view to kill) and having their properties destroyed etc.
I am sure most of you have seen this video blog and it may have even been shared on here already, however if you have not yet seen it please view the link below
