Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia said that “it is our duty to protect both our cultural and environmental heritage, to maintain the potential of biodiversity to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.”
The Minister was speaking during an open day at Buskett organised by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation Malta (FKNK) in collaboration with the ministry which was organised with the aim of promoting this Natura 2000 site and its rich biodiversity.
He said that the area of Buskett is among the most important Natura 2000 sites in Malta as it is important grounds for many plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. In view of this, it was declared a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).
He added that a management plan for the site was developed and a project was implemented to increase woodland coverage, encourage citizen engagement, and proper management of the site.
The open day event served as a “positive educational experience for visitors as well as an awareness-raising exercise. At the height of migration for many bird species, a number of birds can be seen flying over Buskett. Members of the Malta Falconers Club were also present with a number of birds of prey,” he said.
The Minister went on to explain that the Ministry financed a project at ir-Razzett tal-Baghal, managed by FKNK, for the rearing and release of barn owls, a resident bird of prey.
“Such processes of reintroduction and conservation are both very important approaches in conservation efforts. This type of reintroduction is widely accepted as a means to improve the conservation status of species that have suffered population decline usually due to human impact”, he continued.
“If properly empowered, different types of people from different walks of life can contribute positively to our natural environment. Effective dialogue and partnership between environmentalists, hunters, farmers, landowners, authorities, and keeping an honest and open mind and mutual understanding can be transformative: creating solutions for a variety of problems, from biodiversity to conservation to rural development to climate change,” said the Minister.
Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) Deputy Director for Environment and Resources Darrin Stevens, said that ERA welcomes projects aimed at reintroduction of native species, including the barn owl and Maltese trees since it is believed that the environment can be improved with joint collaboration.