World Migratory Bird Day highlights potential forwildlife tourism in Malta

BirdLife Malta said today that Malta has the potential to become one of the Mediterranean’s top bird-watching and nature tourism destinations if the referendum to stop spring hunting is successful.

“The Maltese Islands lie on one of the major flyways for birds migrating between Europe and Africa,” said licensed Nature Guide Annalise Falzon. “Every year, countless birds pass through the islands in one of nature’s greatest spectacles, and birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts around the world themselves travel thousands of kilometres to witness this amazing phenomenon.”

She added, “in the past, the problems of illegal and unsustainable killing of migrating birds have put off potential visitors and tour operators from coming to Malta during the spring and autumn migration periods.”Annalise Falzon pointed out, “No nature lover wants to travel somewhere to see birds knowing that the chances are that many of them, even protected species, will be killed,”

Annalise added, “and companies selling nature holidays don’t want their clients to have a negative experience. These factors have meant that Malta has been missing out on a niche tourism market in which it could be one of Europe’s leading countries.”

“But the possibility that spring hunting might stop has already sparked interest from leading wildlife holiday operators, who are keen to promote and sell the positive side of nature in Malta.”

“Spring is definitely one of the best times for anyone interested in wildlife to come to Malta. Not only for the numerous different birds migrating back to their breeding grounds, but for the birds that breed in Malta and for the many unique plants found throughout the countryside, which are in full bloom at this time of year.” said Annalise. “But here in Malta we have yet to make the most of what our islands have to offer this sector of the tourism industry, which is growing every year.”

This weekend, countries around the world are celebrating World Migratory Bird Day, which this year focuses on the role of sustainable tourism in conserving migrating birds. “The ease with which Maltese wildlife can be seen, thanks to the small size of the islands, easy-to-reach natural areas, and highly developed tourism infrastructure, as well as the proliferation of sites of historical and cultural interest- could make Malta a very enticing destination for many who want to visit outside the peak season for sun-seekers.”

“The potential really is there for the taking,” said Annalise, “there are so many attractions, from Nature Reserves to local markets selling sustainable produce. Encouraging this kind of tourism would help to support many local people and initiatives, not only those working directly in the eco-tourism sector. That’s what sustainable tourism is all about.”

Annalise said that one place that does attract birders and nature tourists in spring, despite spring hunting, is the island Bird Sanctuary of Comino. “Here, away from the hunters’ guns, Maltese and British bird-ringers have been monitoring migrating bird species for the last six weeks.

“Many other tourists visiting the island frequently come to the ringing station to enjoy seeing and learning about the different birds.”

As well as overseas tourists and Maltese day-trippers, school groups also come to the ringing station on field trips to learn about bird migration and conservation as part of BirdLife Malta’s Dinja Wahda Environmental Schools programme.

The ringing station will be open and active throughout the weekend, so anyone visiting Comino on Saturday or Sunday can see what’s happening on World Migratory Bird Day here in Malta.

Photos: A sleeping Nightjar (Buqrajq in Maltese), one of the many migrating birds that can be seen (and heard) on Comino in spring. Photo by Rupert Masefield. – and Walkers enjoying nature. Photo by Annalise Falzon