BirdLife Malta

Description

BirdLife Malta is Malta’s oldest environmental organisation, working to protect wild birds and their habitats. Founded in 1962 as the Malta Ornithological Society, it began as a study group before becoming a national conservation body. It is the Maltese partner of BirdLife International, a global network for nature conservation.

BirdLife Malta manages four nature reserves, including the wetlands of Ghadira and Is-Simar, and runs several EU LIFE-funded research projects on Malta’s seabirds. It works to limit illegal hunting and trapping across the Maltese Islands and has helped secure the first marine Special Protection Areas for Malta. It also lobbies authorities for stronger bird-protection laws and assists police with law enforcement.

The organisation runs environmental education programmes in schools and for the public, publishes newsletters, magazines and books on natural history, and relies on membership and donations. It responds to reports of injured birds and wildlife crime. BirdLife Malta is run largely by volunteers, with membership of around 3000 people.