BirdLife Malta have today demanded accountability for the misappropriation of the Mizieb woodland and the widespread illegal development, saying there was no legal ground validating the transfer of public land for its use as a private hunting ground.

In a report released today highlighting the ongoing illegalities in Mizieb, BirdLife revealed that the FKNK’s claim to the area had no legal basis. The only document that exists according to the government is a letter to the Hunters Association (at the time called ‘Ghaqda Kaccaturi u Nassaba’) from former Prime Minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici who promised them use of the land in the run-up to the elections in 1986.

The law does not permit any Prime Minister to treat public land as his own and give it away as a political favour. The management of public land by NGOs is only permitted following a legal agreement that imposes a strict regulatory framework for site management.

Such plans for Mizieb do not exist, even though sections of the woodland are designated as a Natura 2000 site, and supposedly enjoy international protection as both a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation.

Hunting and trapping hides continue to sprout within Mizieb, currently amounting to a density of 183 hides/km². A total of 256 hides have so far been recorded crammed within an area a third of the size of Comino, with some hides being concrete buildings with metal doors.

BirdLife Malta questioned MEPA’s lack of action to remove the illegal structures, which is encouraging the construction of more hides even within the boundaries of the nearby is-Simar Bird Sanctuary. At least 23 hides are located within the sanctuary even though Legal Notice 79 of 2006, prohibits hunting or trapping inside a Bird Sanctuary.

"Hunters scrawl RTO on public land and build structures without permits and the authorities look the other way. These people consider themselves privileged, because the authorities do not dare to challenge that perception," said Joseph Mangion, BirdLife Malta President.

"Not only are they allowed to occupy the land illegally, but they are also free to ignore regulations that bind other NGOs legally entrusted with the management of natural and cultural sites," Mr Mangion added.

Organisations entrusted with the care of national sites are bound by a strict regulatory framework that controls every aspect of site management, including signs. BirdLife has been waiting for permits to erect signs required at the Ghadira Nature Reserve for over a year. In contrast, signs appear overnight in Mizieb in all shapes and forms, even spray-painted on walls. A total of 49 signs by the FKNK have been recorded that do not meet the requirements for a permit.

"The lack of scrutiny at Mizieb also ensures it is a hotbed for illegal hunting and trapping. Last September, over 200 dead protected birds were uncovered from only a third of the area. Since then, the authorities failed to release the findings of their investigations, which continues to protect the perpetrators of the crimes," said Geoffrey Saliba, Campaigns Coordinator for BirdLife Malta.

Intensive hunting and trapping is causing damage to both the conservation value and recreational potential of the Mizieb woodland, which represents one of the largest stretches of woodland in Malta. Given its rich archaeological heritage, the site is also promoted as a tourist attraction, but access during peak hunting seasons is near impossible.

"In Mizieb, our common heritage has been seized and is being destroyed. Meanwhile, members of the public and tourists cannot enjoy the area due to the very real concern that stray shotgun pellets may hit them. The area must be properly regulated," Mr Mangion concluded.

Aerial photograph shows that BirdLife Malta has recorded 256 hunting and trapping hides in Mizieb and new hides continue to be built.

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