There is a “positive change in the social acceptance of hunting” – FKNK

by Gozo News · October 25, 2024

There is a "positive change in the social acceptance of hunting" - FKNK The Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) said that according to a survey carried out in September, “there is a positive change in the social acceptance of hunting.”

In the survey, carried out by the company Sagalytics, when respondents were asked – “Do you accept that sustainable hunting is practised in the country in a regulated manner as it currently is?” – 54.1% said yes, 33.2% said no and 12.6% had no opinion.

In a statement on Friday, the FKNK said a similar survey was also carried out by the same company in June 2023 – 50.4% of the respondents said yes, 33.5% said no, while 16.1% did not have an opinion.

The FKNK pointed out that in the national abrogative referendum of April 2015 the results of the votes cast “can by interpreted as 37.4% of Maltese society accepting hunting, 36.7% not accepting hunting and 25.9% undecided.”

“This positive change in public opinion continues to encourage FKNK to invest more in biodiversity projects and events and conservation of the natural environment,” the organisation said.

No detailed information of the two surveys carried out by Sagalytics were provided by FKNK as to the number or respodents etc.

FKNK said that “these findings are particularly relevant in the context of ongoing wildlife management discussions. They challenge previous narratives and suggest the need for policies that accurately reflect current public sentiment towards the sustainable use of wildlife.”

The FKNK added that it “recognises the value of regulated hunting practices, particularly when they contribute to conservation efforts.”

“In light of this evidence, the FKNK encourages decision makers to consider these findings in their policy deliberations,” the organisation said.

“It is essential that future regulations and discussions on hunting and wildlife management are based on the realities of public opinion and the principles of sustainable use,” stated FKNK. “These insights will be beneficial for the development of science-based policies.”

The FKNK concluded by saying that it “hopes that this information will contribute to an informed and balanced approach to the management of wildlife and conservation policies in Malta and looks forward to continued dialogue and collaboration on these critical issues.”