The Ramblers’ Association (RAM) has read the joint statement about the agreement reached between the Labour Party and the Federazzjoni Kaccaturi u Nassaba Konservazzjonisti (FKNK), the analysis made of it by Bird Life Malta (BLM).

RAM said that, “while noting the positive side of the Agreement in that both parties have agreed that they will be abiding strictly by EU laws and to the negotiated package, RAM also understands perfectly the concern felt by BLM at having been excluded from the discussions which led to this Agreement.”

RAM stated that “certainly BLM cannot be accused of being partisan in their criticism of this Agreement, for the simple reason that in these last years they have often been very critical also of the party in government on various issues.”

“It would have been more correct, more productive and more in accordance with the Aarhus convention, had talks been held simultaneously with BLM, because on this issue it is the other major environmental stakeholder, RAM said.

“The BLM’s analysis of the Agreement raises a number of very valid points. Had these points been raised during the said discussions the agreement could have been much less controversial.”

Ramblers continued by saying that the “are not in a position to question certain conditions being bandied about by the FKNK and not mentioned in the agreement, but they note that the Agreement, besides leaving important grey areas, such as safe access to the countryside, also give FKNK guarantees which could be of concern.”

“Any future government has an obligation to address environmental issues, like hunting and trapping, in a balanced manner and should therefore listen to all stakeholders,” the NGO said. “The ultimate objective is sustainablility of Malta’s ecosystems. A good first step in this direction would be discussions with BLM and other eNGOs to see how this Agreement can be made generally more acceptable.”

“While the PL has clearly stated its position vis-à-vis EU rules and regulations, albeit leaving some important grey areas, the PN’s position on hunting and its impact on the people of Malta and the sustainablility of its wildlife has not been clarified at all. Of the three political parties only Alternattiva Demoratika, we have to hand it to them, has a clearly stated position on this issue,” Ramblers concluded.

Permalink: Ramblers’ Association on the recent PL-FKNK Agreement