Nature Trust – FEE Malta is urging the Maltese authorities to adopt measures for the protection of insect biodiversity, similar to those being proposed in Germany for an insect protection action plan, which include stricter controls on both lighting and the use of insecticides.

NTM in a statement said that, specifically, Malta badly needs to implement a ban on powerful searchlights and sky spotlights at night-time and regulate the installation of street-lighting and outdoor lights in such a way as to reduce as far as possible their disruptive effect on plants, insects and other fauna.

It highlighted the fact that there is now increased awareness of the crucial role played by insects both as an intrinsic part of the beauty of nature and as suppliers of important ecosystem services, chief among which is the ultra-important function of pollination.

Government should legislate to ensure a properly enforced reduction in pesticide use, whilst assisting farmers to make the required shifts in their practice, said NTM.

It stressed that “most importantly, it drastically needs to step up the enforcement of laws protecting natural habitats, which are crucial as feeding and breeding grounds for all species including such iconic insects as butterflies and bees.”

NTM said that insects are important not only for their functions but also as a beautiful part of the holistic totality of nature, and provide both delight and instruction to many who enjoy watching them go about their lives in their natural habitat.

Nature Trust – FEE Malta concluded by saying that “wellbeing in this country can no longer play Cinderella to a free-for-all exploitation of the natural environment serving mostly the interests of the rich and their cronies.”

Permalink: NTM urges the Government to protect insect biodiversity in the Maltese Islands