Hunters and environmentalists had common concerns on environmental degradation that made it possible for them to co-exist, the Yes campaign said.

Darren Caruana, a spokesman for the Yes lobby, insisted yesterday that, apart from the issue of spring hunting, there was a lot in common between hunters and environmentalists.

“Hunters do a lot of conservation work and we should build on our shared concerns to find the balance that allows us all to co-exist peacefully,” Mr Caruana said.

He listed 10 reasons why people should vote Yes in the April 11 referendum, including respect and tolerance towards different interest groups. Co-existence between different interest groups in the countryside was possible, Mr Caruana insisted during a press conference at Għar Lapsi, which included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the hunting federation, FKNK, and the Malta Climbers Association.

The two organisations undertook to create an environment in which hunters, trappers and climbers could “enjoy a friendly relationship to their mutual benefit”. The memorandum, Mr Caruana said, was one example of collaboration between different interest groups.

He pointed out that the limited spring hunting season for turtle doves and quails was not a threat to the sustainability of both species.

Mr Caruana said the Yes campaign was all out for responsible hunting and against criminality.

Asked whether hunters could be trusted to observe the law and show respect, he said that, like in every sector of society, there were people who broke the law. “But we should work together to eliminate these illegalities,” he added.