The feasibility of sustainable spring hunting in Malta

Abstract

Spring Hunting in Malta has, over the past thirty years, become a topical and highly debated issue. The overruling supranational entity, the European Union, with its vast array of environmental legislation, promotes sustainable hunting as a practice which is considerate of the economic, social and ecological aspects of the practice. However, the issue in Malta has been primarily dominated by opposing NGOs representing the interests of conservationists and hunters, rather than the promotion of sustainability. Throughout this continuing conflict, the issue became highly politicised, through multiple dealings with political parties and constant lobbying to both levels of government. The multiple events throughout the years rendered multiple aspects and stakeholders influencing the polemic; thus, this research analyses Malta's implementation of the EU Birds Directive in order to determine whether spring hunting in Malta is sustainable and whether the practice, as portrayed by the Birds Directive, is ultimately feasible.