Converting hunters

The approach to resolving the hunting issue should be more positive and constructive on both sides. Enthusiastic hunters cannot reasonably be expected to stop practising their delizzju overnight. On the other hand, they cannot be allowed to continue as they are in a world that is becoming ever so conscious of preserving wildlife and nature.

May I therefore make two suggestions, which could perhaps be supplemented by further recommendations from others who are more knowledgeable in the subject:

1) It seems that one of the "thrills" hunters experience is being in the countryside in the early hours of the morning, "in waiting" for the birds. This energy should be channelled from one of shooting birds, to one of observing them. In this way, instead of there being fewer birds to shoot, more would be permitted to nest in our islands and hunters could instead experience the thrill of birdwatching - another more rewarding and constructive pastime. If the government, together with BirdLife and the hunters' association, worked hand in hand on this, I am sure experts and educators from the EU, or wherever, would readily give advice on how to go about it.

2) Those hunters who practise the sport because they are trigger happy could perhaps satisfy their ego in competitions which would be organised professionally in purposely built, high-standard establishments. Again, this could be coordinated by the government and members of the association. The prospect of potential winners being sent abroad to take part in shooting competitions should help and especially attract the younger generations.

Although the above would involve considerable investment in educating and setting up related establishments, I am sure that we have enough entrepreneurs to go about this in the right manner - and even if the cost has to be partly borne by the government, it should be beneficial to Malta in the long run.